Born in Newport News, Virginia, to Virgil Melton (deceased) and Darlene Mays-Tittman. He passed away at 70 years old on March 15, 2023 in Ahoskie, N.C., from diabetes and severe back injury. His mother survives him along with siblings, Dee Guillory (Mark) of Gloucester, Va.; brothers, Allan Melton (Melonie) of Poquoson, Va., and Cleve Melton (Cheryl) of Smithfield, Va. Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins mourn his loss but appreciate that he is out of pain. A special thanks to Ben and Ozzie as caregivers when the family couldn’t always be with Delbert.

Graduating from Norfolk Catholic High School in 1971 as an All-State football player and wrestler, he went on to play football for Chowan College in N.C. In 2018 he was inducted into Chowan’s Hall of Fame for athletes. He played two years as a defensive lineman achieving All-Coastal Conference honors, All-Region X honors, and NCJAA All-America, Second Team honors. He then received a full ride scholarship to North Carolina State University to continue then went to N.C. State for his education, playing career and, of course, surf OBX. A knee injury stopped his football career, and life’s goals to surf forever came true.

Delbert mellowed as he aged, becoming religious and accepting of the fate life handed him. He was no longer rebellious of the “establishment” of the ’60s and reminisced about his life’s journey. Delbert always dreamed of going to Hawaii. In early 2020 he got there and rode a few waves on a paddle board.

Delbert’s family is looking forward to Celebrating his Life with surfing friends and Norfolk Catholic and Chowan College friends. Permits and parking have been arranged for Sept. 16 on East Bonnet Street and Virginia Dare Trail, Nags Head, N.C. Celebration begins promptly at 11 a.m.; Paddle Out is noon. This event is on a beach, so be prepared with lawn chairs and coolers.