Melvin Earley

Clyde - Melvin Bryant Earley, 85, passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, July 24, 2018.

A native and lifelong resident of Haywood County, he was a son of the late James Fred and Bertha Jane Hamlett Earley. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Elsie Elders and Shirley Rickman and a brother, Wiley "Bud" Earley. Melvin was a United States Army veteran having served in Germany and enjoyed his association with the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). In 1994, he retired from Champion International with 38 years of service. Melvin enjoyed raising and showing Tennessee walking horses and going to his farm in Tennessee. He loved spending time with his friends and family and was an advocate of Animal Rescue.

He is survived by his wife and loving partner of 26 years, Martha Elizabeth "Beth" Carter Earley; one daughter, Melanie Parker of Tampa, Florida; one son, Greg Earley and wife, Kim, of Canton; four grandchildren, Cori Blankenship-Flowers and husband, Ryan, of Waynesville, Sidney Blankenship of Raleigh, Anna Earley of Cullowhee, and Rachel Earley of Canton; one great-grandchild, Ava Flowers; and a beloved dog, Dillon.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of The Homestead.

Memorials may be made to SARGE'S Animal Rescue Foundation, 256 Industrial Park Drive, Waynesville, NC 28786 or to Haywood Healthcare Foundation (Hospice in memo line of check) c/o The Homestead, 127 Sunset Ridge Road, Clyde, NC 28721.

The care of Mr. Earley has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes and an online memorial register is available at "Obituaries" at www.wellsfuneralhome.com

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