Thomas Plowden Melton, III (“Tommy”) departed his earthly life on March 1, 2024. He died at his residence in Vestavia Hills, Alabama at the age of 86 with his wife and children at his bedside. He was born on June 2, 1937, in Greenville, Alabama to the late Thomas P. Melton, Jr. (“Big Tom”) and Eulynne Brantley Melton (“Pete”) of Pine Apple, Alabama.
He spent most of his youth in Evergreen, Alabama and graduated from Evergreen High School in 1955 where he played all sports and lettered for the varsity football team playing both offense and defense. After graduating high school, Tommy started post graduate studies before making the decision to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of basic training at Paris Island, he honorably served our country for two years. Upon discharge, he was accepted into the University of Southern Mississippi where he studied accounting. With hard work that became the cornerstone of his reputation, he received his degree in accounting in three short years. He sat for the CPA exam and passed it on his first attempt.
After graduation, he moved to Birmingham where he accepted an offer to work with the accounting firm of Ernst & Ernst. The move to Birmingham paid tremendous dividends as Tommy moved into an apartment and met his dearly loved wife, who at that time was known as Mary Ann Thornton. After dating for only a matter of months, Tommy and Mary Ann were married on May 23, 1964. This partnership continued for nearly 60 years until he took his last breath with Mary Ann still at his side.
Tommy shined as a young associate at Ernst and was transferred to Columbus, Georgia to manage the Ernst office at that location. He remained in Columbus for 4 years before deciding that he wanted more time to spend with his family and a return to Birmingham. Upon his return, he accepted a job at South Highlands Hospital before being offered a partnership with the CPA firm of Burton, Canaday & Moore where he worked for 22 years. Like most anyone who ever met him, everyone who worked with Tommy loved him, his honesty and his work ethic. These personal relationships exponentially grew the business and naturally his work load. His work ethic never waivered and came with no complaints. Burton, Canaday & Moore merged with Warren Averitt in 1995, and he continued his practice for another 6 years before retiring.
Despite “retiring” to Lake Martin and staying busy with fishing, golf and lake projects, Tommy’s relationships in the healthcare industry continually pulled him back into the workplace. He worked at Bibb County Medical Center another 10 years before once again retiring at age 79 feeling guilty that he was not busy enough despite the increased hours and long drives. Lake Martin living in semi-retirement for 13 years was one of the greatest times in his life. He and Mary Ann joined the Alexander City Baptist Church where they met up with old friends and made new ones. Tommy often volunteered to do taxes for the less fortunate members of the community as well as volunteered to help those in need in multiple other capacities. In 2018, he and Mary Ann moved back to Birmingham to be near health care providers; although, he always missed the “lake living."
In addition to being known for his hard work and honesty, Tommy was known to be a kind, caring and patient man. He was selfless at every turn and at every stage of his life always putting others and especially his family first. He was the true definition of a family man and was strong in his faith.
He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Mary Ann Melton, and their two children Deborah Ann McTague (Robert) and Thomas P. Melton, IV and two grandchildren Brantley Vittetoe and Maggie Vittetoe. He is pre-deceased by his brother, William Dudley Melton, and survived by his adored sister, Marilyn Cook, both of Evergreen.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at 2:00 pm with visitation beginning at 1:00 pm at Southern Heritage Funeral Home in Pelham, Alabama. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Any Length Recovery located in Sumter South Carolina (anylength.org/donate). The family wishes to thank the caregivers and nurses of Affinity Hospice for their care and support.
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