Winston Craig Melson

Winston Craig Melson, 76, of South Lakeshore Drive, Louisa, died on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville.

Craig was born in Huntington, West Virginia. He was the son of the late Winston Alvin Melson and his wife, Vivian Melson, and Phyllis Keesee Sadlowski and her husband, Edward Sadlowski.

Craig was the retired owner and operator of Melson Fuel Tank Installation and was a United States Air Force veteran. He was also a 60-year veteran of the fire service, serving with both the Orange Volunteer Fire Company, where he attained the rank of First Assistant Chief, and the Trevilians Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as Fire Chief and was currently serving as Assistant Chief.

Craig is survived by his wife, Renee Melson, of Louisa; a daughter, Melissa Melson, of Orange; two sons, Tim Melson and wife Beth, of Charlottesville, and Brad Melson and wife Amanda, of Buchanan; a stepdaughter, Michelle White and husband Brian, of Gordonsville; a stepson, Chris Southard and wife Jessica, of Orange; ten grandchildren, Avery Melson, Ethan Melson, Parker Melson, Cameron Melson, Roni Melson, Amelia Melson, Cara White, Jake White, Lacie Southard, and Olivia Southard; and one brother, Tom Melson and wife Cathy, of Ladysmith.

A public gathering will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Orange Volunteer Fire Company, 205 Caroline Street, Orange, VA 22960. Preddy Funeral Home of Orange is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Orange Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 367, Orange, VA 22960, or the Trevilians Volunteer Fire Department, 737 Firehouse Drive, Louisa, VA 23093.