Melton Lee Warren

Melton Lee Warren, 79, of Fort Mill, SC, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born February 19, 1946, in Clover, SC, Melton later moved to Fort Mill as a teenager.  It was there he met the love of his life, Mary Ellen McClain. The two were married and shared 60 wonderful years together, building a life centered around faith, family, and a love for the simple joys.

Melton began his career working at Springs Cotton Mill and later retired as a skilled mechanic from Asplundh Tree Company. Known for his hands-on talents and work ethic, Melton was the one family and friends turned to for fixing just about anything with an engine.  Outside of work, Melton lived life full throttle—quite literally. He loved riding motorcycles, rebuilding old cars, and occasionally racing from time to time.  His heart was in the mountains, where he found joy listening to live bluegrass music. But nothing compared to the joy he found in time spent with his family—especiallyhis grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as “Paw paw”.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Kell Warren and Lillie Mae Warren; four brothers, Benny, John, Tommy, and Jimmy Warren; and one sister, Ruby Aldridge.

Melton is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ellen Warren; his daughter, Angie Whisonant (Bill) of Fort Mill; two sons, Randy Warren (Kami) of Fort Mill and Jeff Warren (LaDonna) of Clover. He leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Scott Whisonant (Crystal), Brandon Warren (Katie), Brooke Davenport (Evan), Dalton Warren (Paige), Chase Galant (Stephanie), Rylie Robinson (Jay), and Hunter Warren.  He also leaves eight precious great-grandchildren: Mia Whisonant, Reagan Whisonant, Brock Galant, Bentley Galant, Ramey Warren, Waylon Robinson, Kimber Warren, and Ansley Branham. Melton is also survived by six siblings: one brother, Robert Warren (Anita), and five sisters, Mary Phifer, Pat Myers, Linda Smothers, Sandra Locke, and Margaret Cole (Tommy), along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

A service to celebrate Melton’s life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Westerly Hills Baptist Church, 232 S Sutton Rd, Fort Mill, SC 29715. Visitation will begin at 12:45 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Randy Devinney officiating.

The family would like to thank Whitesell Funeral Home of Rock Hill for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, 2275 India Hook Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732.

Melton’s legacy of love, laughter, and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Whitesell Funeral Home is serving the family.