Aubrey Glynn Melson was born on March 10, 1942, to the late William Russell and Golden Gustava Smith Melson in a four-room house that still stands on Indian Creek in Wayne County, TN. The course of his life changed on Labor Day weekend of 1962, in Detroit, Michigan, when his neighbor, Virginia Heard, introduced him to her sister, Dorene Durham. The couple was wed a few months later on February 14, 1963. Known for his unstoppable work ethic, Aubrey worked at Chrysler for sixteen years before moving his family back to his beloved Wayne County in 1979. A remarkably resourceful man, he was entirely self-taught in many trades, possessing a rare gift for figuring out how to fix or create absolutely anything—even remarkably building his own wood-burning car. He dedicated himself to raising hogs on their farm, always working on a project and firmly believing that naps and rest were a total waste of time. Over the years, he also managed several rental properties, took great pride in his community by once running for County Executive, and was a dedicated fifty-two year member of both the Mimosa Masonic Lodge No. 542 in Lawrenceburg and the Collinwood Chapter No. 422 of the Order of the Eastern Star. Above all, Aubrey loved working side by side with his wife and kids, tending to his land, looking out over the beautiful, rolling hills of his farm, and caring for all of his variety of stray animals. Aubrey entered into the presence of the Lord on Monday, August 24, 2026 with his family surrounding him.
Aubrey is survived by his loving wife, Dorene. He is the proud father of Bobby Glynn (Leslie) Melson and Laurie Ann Melson, who fondly knows him as “Father Bear.” His legacy continues through his six grandchildren: Rachel (Dakota) Cheek, Justin (Kendra) Melson, Kyle Melson, Lucas Melson, Aubree Roper, and Lillian Roper. He is also blessed with eight wonderful great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his cherished big brother, Jimmy Russell Melson, his niece, Teresa Butler, and his nephews, David and Billy Melson.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his son, Steven Russell Melson, and his brothers, Bobbie Smith Melson and Billy Paul Melson.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no public visitation. Burial will be on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at 11:00 am in Greenwood Cemetery, Waynesboro, Tennessee. Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Melson, Lucas Melson, David Melson, Billy Melson, Dakota Cheek, and Kurt Diekemper. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Shriners Children’s Hospital https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/campaign/818243/donate?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&c_src=bing&c_src2=loveshriners&msclkid=04cdf0dca0571e6488ab9a514378fd90
The family extends a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Vanderbilt Heart at Maury Regional Medical Center, Maury Regional Medical Center Cardiac Unit, Gentiva Hospice, Wayne Medical Center, and Wayne Rehab and Acute Care for their exceptional care, compassion, and support.
