Jerry Dale Melton, 77, of Dermott, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born on August 27, 1939 in Lake City, Arkansas to the late William Orland and Della Dickinson Melton. Jerry enlisted in the United States Air Force from October 1964 until December 1968. He was a Vietnam Veteran. After his enlistment in the Air Force, he joined the Army National Guard and served until his retirement in August 1999. Jerry joined the Arkansas State Police in July 1969 until January 1978. He became Chief of Police of Dermott, AR in January 1978 until he retired in February 1998. During this time he had so many great accomplishments such as: Southwest Technical Institute for Arson; Certificate of Training for the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs; FBI National Academy Firearms Award; Arkansas Law Commission on Law Enforcement Standards & Training; Arkansas Juvenile Advisory Group; National Homicide Investigation School. He was appointed by Governor Bill Clinton to serve on the Governor’s Task Force on Crime. Jerry was a member of the FBI National Academy Graduates Association; member of Arkansas Chief of Police Association; Past President of Board of Directors, Southwest Drug Task Force for Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, Drew, and Lincoln Counties. Jerry was a member of the Board of Directors of the Arkansas Municipal Police Association. He served as Justice of the Peace for District 2 for Chicot County from January 1, 2005 until present. Jerry was proud to Protect and Serve!
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, William “Billy” Harold Melton and sister, Eva Dee Barnes. Survivors include his wife, Marie Melton of Dermott, AR; son, Tracy (Janet) Melton of West Point, TN; daughters, Monica Terry of Dermott, AR and Sheryl (David) Horn of Cominto, AR; 10 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held 3-6 pm on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in McGehee, AR. Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Sunday, March 5, 2017 at Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service in McGehee, AR with Rev. Steve Fleming officiating. Burial will be held at Dermott Cemetery in Dermott, AR.