A small West Tennessee Baptist church continues to feel the blow of Sunday night’s mass shooting at a Las Vegas concert after it learned one of the victims was a native son.
Sonny Melton, 29, who grew up in Big Sandy and attended Ramble Creek Baptist Church, was killed when he was struck by gun fire while shielding his wife, Heather Melton. See related story.
“It’s rocked this whole community,” said Jim Twilbeck, director of missions for the Western District Association. “It’s not that big and everybody knows everybody. Everybody knew Sonny. Everybody thought a whole lot of him.”
Melton attended Ramble Creek while growing up and before leaving for Union University, where he completed his bachelor of science in nursing accelerated degree and served as president of his BSNA class. He was employed at Henry County Medical Center.
“The Union University School of Nursing is in shock today, as we learned of the tragic death of Sonny Melton,” said Kelly Harden, dean, Union University School of Nursing in a statement released by Union Oct. 2.
“Our hearts are broken for his family, friends and colleagues,” Harden said. “Sonny was energetic, enthusiastic and had a positive attitude that was infectious. He had a love for people, and was a natural choice for class president. You could not help but smile when you saw him, whether that was in class or taking care of patients.
“Nursing was his calling, and he served well as the hands and feet of Jesus. We are all better for having known him. Even as we grieve his passing, we rejoice in the fact that in Christ we have victory over death.”
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Source: Baptist Press
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