By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The stretch of Hwy. 69A from Paris to Big Sandy was officially dedicated as the “Sonny Melton Memorial Highway” during ceremonies Friday afternoon.
Officials from both Henry and Benton Counties gathered along with family and friends of Melton and state legislators for the unveiling of the first sign, located at the intersection of 69A and Hwy. 218. Henry County Mayor Brent Greer said the sign will soon be joined by another sign in Benton Co. which will mark the end of the Memorial Highway.
Greer said, “I’m honored to be here today”, noting that Melton “was a valued member of our community. This is dedicated to the sacrifices this man made. He will live forever in our memories with this dedication.”
Originally from Big Sandy, Melton was a nurse at Henry County Medical Center in Paris. He was killed in the Las Vegas mass shooting in 2017 while shielding his wife, Dr. Heather Melton, from bullets while they were attending a music festival.
Heather Melton said she was grateful to the people of Henry and Benton County for supporting Sonny and his memory. She said she hoped that the sign would help people remember how Sonny lived, not just how he died.
The Henry and Benton County Commissions asked the state in 2017 to dedicate the stretch of highway for Melton and former State Rep. Tim Wirgau (R-Paris) was responsible for introducing and guiding the legislation. Wirgau said it the highway dedication will be a way for everyone to remember Sonny and his life.
State Sen. John Stevens (R-Huntingd0n) also worked on guiding the legislation and said Sonny was a hero “and this is how you honor heroes”.
In November, a new bridge on the Lower Big Sandy Rd. in Benton Co. was dedicated to Sonny Melton.
Photo: From left, former State Rep. Tim Wirgau, Heather Melton, Susan Melton, Brent Greer, Sen. John Stevens, James and Janie Melton and State Rep. Bruce Griffey (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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