Powers Fire and Rescue mourns passing of former fire chief

(The following press release and photo were submitted by Powers Fire and Rescue.)

It is with profound sadness that the Firefighters and Emergency Medical Responders with Powers Fire & Rescue in Jones County announce the passing away of former Powers Fire Chief Ray Melton following a very brief illness. Ray was a founding member of our all volunteer fire department and also served the City of Laurel as a career firefighter. Ray was a man's man, a hero, an incredible firefighter, a paint and body shop legend and a man who deeply loved his family both blood and red. He was a mechanical genius and could build or fix anything including actually building Powers' first fire truck using a beverage truck chassis and a donated three compartment fuel tanker body.

Our members mourn with Ray's wife Frances, daughter Suzanne Melton Jones and the entire family during this time of sudden, heartbreaking loss. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Powers Fire & Rescue at 1975 Hwy. 184, Laurel, MS 39443.

Please keep the entire Melton family in your prayers during this difficult day and those to come. Heaven's gain in certainly our loss. Ray's passing leaves a void in the Powers Community that will never be filled.