John Melvin Hampton was born on January 8, 1932, to the late Eddie Hampton and Polly Mae Graham Hampton in Hazel Green Alabama. He came to Chattanooga in 1957 and joined Zion Hill Baptist Church. He later united with New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Thomas Jones.
He came to Chattanooga in December of 1957 to visit his sisters on his way to settle North. While in Chattanooga he met Mae E. (Taylor) Ray, and they married July 10, 1967.
He was preceded in death by his father, Eddie Hampton; mother, Polly Mae Hampton; wife, Mae Edna Hampton; son, John Lee Ford; son, Bobby Joe Ford; son, Ernest Ray; brothers, OZ Grant Hampton, William L. Hampton, Earl Hampton, Walter B. Hampton, and Eddie (Ned) Lee Hampton; sister, Dora Bell Parker; sister, Frankie Lee Hampton Barron; son-in-law William (Billy) Ware
Melvin was a long-standing deacon at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church where he served as the Chairman of the Deacon Board, member of the male chorus, Pastor's aid and Sunday School teacher. He faithfully attended Sunday school and Wednesday night prayer. He made sure the church was open and closed every Sunday and was diligent in maintaining the landscaping.
Melvin worked for Tennessee Stove until its closing. From there he worked at Jacob Manufacturing Company in Stevenson, Alabama until his retirement. He also spent a few years working at Kelly Cadillac moving cars. In his later years he became an entrepreneur and owner of Melvin’s Lawn Service, serving the Chattanooga area for many years. Each year he looked forward to “Ringing the Bell” for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season.
He leaves to cherish his memory, daughters, Dorothy (BJ) Lantham of Huntsville, AL, caregiver, Jean (Gregory) Hudson, caregiver, Patricia (James) Roberts, and Vivian "Ann" Ware; sons, Robert "Buster" Ray and Derrick Hampton; sisters, Lillie Sledge of Huntsville, AL and Earlean Gurley; sister-in-law, Helen Taylor; brother-in-law, Robert Taylor (San Antonio, TX); 30 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; special nephew, Gregory Hampton.
Public viewing will be held 9:00 am-12:00 pm, Sunday, March 19, 2023, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.
Visitation will be held starting at 2:00 pm-3:00 pm, at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 2625 North Chamberlain Avenue, followed immediately by the funeral service.
Interment: Monday, March 20, 2023, Lakewood Memory Gardens East @ 10:30 AM
The service will be Live Streamed via ZOOM using the following link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83157693519?pwd=YW0zV09RbHhvRVFaMUV3eUU2V0NGdz09
Meeting ID: 831 5769 3519
Passcode: 846704