Stephen Wesley Melton , February 24, 1971 — March 16, 2019

Stephen Wesley Melton 1971 – 2019 Steve Melton left this world unexpectedly on March 8, 2019. Born on March 24, 1971 in Raleigh, NC, Steve grew up in Greensboro and spent summers in Black Mountain and Fairview. He was a passionate conservationist and outdoorsman who loved and respected nature and all it had to offer.

A day in the woods hunting with his son Charlie, best friend Aaron and his son Will was Steve’s perfect day. One of his proudest moments was when Charlie recently killed his first squirrel. Steve was co-owner of Equinox Environmental, an environmental consulting firm in Asheville, NC and EW Solutions, which he recently created to restore damaged streams and protect water quality for the future of our region.

He was a veteran of the US Air Force where he was a jet engine mechanic. Steve is survived by his wife Cheryl Fowler and son Charlie Bass Melton of Fairview, NC, father William Bass Melton (Wanda), mother Linda Sotriffer (Peter) of Fairview, NC, mother-in-law Barbara Fowler of Waynesville, NC, sister Cheri Gordon (Bill) of Climax, NC, nephew Tyler Gordon (Ashley) of Pleasant Garden, NC, sister-in-laws Pam Campbell (Richard) and Penny Holcombe (Roger) of Canton, NC and niece Anne Banks (Greg) of Waynesville, NC. He also leaves behind two goofy, loving, loyal dogs, Arlo and Little Wayne.

Steve’s death caught us all by surprise, but if there’s anything that will give us comfort it’s that his spirit is free in these Appalachian mountains, which he loved so much – he’s at peace. I am writing this sitting in the woods at Steve’s farm that has been in his family for six generations – his happy place. The dogs are playing and Charlie is riding 4-wheelers with his Pop Pop, his grandfather.

Life goes on. We will miss Steve’s smile and generous heart. A celebration of Steve’s life will be held on March 30, 2019 from 2:00 – 4:00 at the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy Community Farm at 180 Mag Sluder Road, Alexander, NC.

Please wear comfortable, casual clothes and shoes. His ashes will be spread by family and dear friends in places that were most special to him. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Steve’s memory toward Charlie’s education.

Donations can be sent to First Bank, 5 Olde Eastwood Village Blvd. , Asheville, NC 28803, in care of Cheryl Fowler’s “Charlie’s Education Fund” account. Please contact Joshua Boyd at 828-298-8711 if you have any questions.

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