Melvin Ronnie Clark

Melvin Ronnie Clark, 87, went home to be in the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Born on July 6, 1936, in Haywood County, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Russell Melvin Clark and Laura Gosnell Clark.

Melvin was a lifelong resident of Haywood County. He proudly served his country as an E5 Sargent Marine and was deeply devoted to the values of service and hard work he had put into his time there. He spent 34 years employed with Champion International as a Finisher Roll Checker, where he was known for his dedication and strong work ethic. He attended and was a long-time member of Canton Freewill Baptist Church.

Melvin had a joyful spirit and a love for life. He enjoyed singing, dancing and was once part of a quartet that made a record. He loved to hunt, he was a “Tinker Man” who could fix anything and everything he put his hands on. Melvin found happiness in spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Melvin was preceded in death by his sisters Patsy Clark, Christine Matthews, Betty Reece, Margaret Thomson, and grandson, Joshua Putnam.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Debbie Henson (Rodney), Katrina Putnam (Jimmy) and son Ronnie Clark. He is also survived by two sisters, Judy Pollard (Steve) and Violet Massey; his grandchildren Brian Ledbetter, Bobby Ledbetter, Christopher Henson, Micheal Ford, Matthew Ford, John Albritton and Jeff Albritton, Jonah Putnam, Anna Hudson, Brianna Bidou, Melvin Ledbetter, Sophie Ledbetter, Allie Ledbetter, Vada Ledbetter, Kathan Plummer Henson, Brandon Thomson, Maleigh Putnam, Ethan Putnam, and Joshua Putnam Jr; and his seven great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Wells Funeral Home of Canton, with Pastor Larry Collins and Pastor Rodney Henson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Burial will follow with military honors at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Cancer Society.

The family of Melvin Ronnie Clark has entrusted Wells Funeral Home of Canton with his care.