Memorial Service Planned for Melton Today at HCMC
Paris, TN – Henry County Medical Center continues to grieve the loss of fellow partner, Sonny Melton, RN. To celebrate his life and to pray for his family, HCMC staff has coordinated a memorial service for today, Thursday, Oct. 5 at 2 pm on the patio off the HCMC cafeteria.
The memorial and prayer service will be officiated by Craig Peevyhouse, Chaplain and HCMC EMS partner and will last about 30 minutes. Anyone who would like to attend is welcome. Partners and friends will pray and share memories of Sonny Melton.
The events that occurred on Sunday, October 1 in Las Vegas involved two employees of Henry County Medical Center. The service is an opportunity to reflect on the life of Sonny Melton and to pray for his wife, Heather Melton, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon at Innovative Orthopedics who survived the mass shooting.
“I feel honored to be a part of Sonny’s remembrance,” said DeAnn Berry, RN, Director of the Emergency Department at HCMC. “He was a very special person and he will leave a great void in the ER. He was a part of this family and we are suffering. He had a smile you will never forget.”
Many across the nation have expressed condolences through e-mail, social media, and the HCMC website. Many have asked how to help. There has been a scholarship fund established for Sonny Melton. The Sonny Melton Scholarship Fund to honor the life and legacy of Sonny Melton has been established at Apex Bank. Sonny’s mother has been a member of the Apex Bank family for over forty years.
Sonny Melton graduated from Union University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. He was a registered nurse at Henry County Medical Center in Paris, TN. The Sonny Melton Scholarship Fund was created to celebrate Sonny’s life by assisting graduating Big Sandy High School Seniors who desire to pursue a career in nursing. To assist in endowing the fund, Apex Bank has committed to match the first $50,000 in private contributions to the fund. To honor Sonny’s life and professional work, we invite you to join us in contributing to Sonny’s fund. It is our goal to expand opportunities in Sonny’s hometown while encouraging others to follow his lead and pursue a career in nursing.
Let Sonny’s life inspire Big Sandy’s youth. Help us make a difference by contributing to the fund today. Call 865.500.5454, e-mail donate@sonnymeltonfund.com or visit www.sonnymeltonfund.com to join our efforts.
Additionally, a fund is being established through the Paris and Henry County Healthcare Foundation for Sonny Melton as well. If you would like to contribute through the Healthcare Foundation, you can call 731-644-8266 or donate via our website at www.hcmc-tn.org . You can also e-mail for more information at tdaughrity@hcmc-tn.org. This event is a traumatic life experience for those there and those that are a part of the HCMC caring community.
If you are struggling to understand this event or other types of losses, HCMC has staff available at Lake Haven Behavioral Center. HCMC will be offering information and mental health tips to our partners, families and our community throughout this month as we all begin to cope with this tragedy. If you feel you need to speak with someone, please contact our Lake Haven Behavioral Center at 731-644-8420.
About Henry County Medical Center
Located in Paris, TN, Henry County Medical Center is a progressive, integrated healthcare organization committed to serving the healthcare needs of Henry County and the adjoining region. Including a 142-bed hospital and other facilities, the medical center provides a variety of outpatient services, as well as inpatient care. Henry County Medical Center is a county-owned and operated nonprofit institution. For more information: www.hcmc-tn.org.