Walter Nathaniel Meloon

Remembering Walter Nathaniel Meloon (aka Walt, Dad, Doe and Uncle Walt)
It is with heavy hearts and deep gratitude for a life well lived that we remember and honor
the passing of Walter Nathaniel Meloon, who peacefully went to be with the Lord on
January 6, 2025, at the age of 87. Walt was born in Orlando, Florida on December 3,1937
to Walter O. and Anne Meloon. He attended Hampden DuBose Academy and Orlando
Junior College. Walt married his church sweetheart, Barbara Burns on June 12, 1959 and
they would have been married for 66 years this June. Walt was a devoted father to Gary
(wife Ardis) and Lori Meloon, grandfather to Walter Nathaniel and Gary Walter, and
great-grandfather to Margaret and Walter Michael Meloon. He was preceded in death by
grandson Gary Walter, sister Etta Warner and his parents.

Walt lived a life dedicated to his family, church, community, and family businesses, Correct
Craft and Southeast Correct Craft. Treasured family times include countless days of
boating on Lake Conway, adventures at New Smyrna Beach, long summers and snowy
winters in the Adirondack mountains, numerous fishing excursions (with most memorable
times fishing in Alaska) and traveling around the world for business and mission work.
Weekly family dinners with 4 generations of Meloons provided great conversations on life,
faith, and business. Walt was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Pine Castle
for the duration of his life where he served as a deacon and on several committees in
addition to working with the youth. His dedication to the community includes 15 years on
the Pine Castle Volunteer Fire Department (with 8 of the years as Fire Control
Commissioner), serving on the boards of House of Hope, Christian Coalition of Florida and
Hampden DuBose Academy, providing resources and sports equipment to Conway Little
League and Oak Ridge High School and sponsoring the Eagle Scout Program in Central
Florida. For many years Walt supported and participated in Pine Castle Pioneer Days
parades and festivities.

Walt was the grandson of Walter Crawford Meloon, founder of the Correct Craft boat
business in 1925. Walt served in the family boat business for 52 years. As stated in a
press release from Correct Craft, Inc: “Throughout his tenure, he was instrumental in
Correct Craft’s innovation and in establishing the company as a market leader. Walt served
as the President and CEO of Correct Craft for 18 years, was the distributor at Southeast
Correct Craft, and was at the helm of the company during the development of countless
groundbreaking products. Walt's legacy was built on his dedication to the ethics and
principles established by his grandfather, ‘Building boats to the glory of God.’” His service
on industry boards included: National Marine Manufacturers Association, American Boatbuilders Association, American Water Ski Educational Foundation, American Water Ski
Association, and Water Ski Industry Association. Many wonderful times were spent at the
Master’s Water Ski tournament at Callaway Gardens, GA.. Walt developed special
friendships with the Correct Craft family, dealers around the world, and other professionals
in the boating industry.

Walt’s faith and love touched the lives of all who knew him. To paraphrase George
DuBose, President of Hampden DuBose Academy, “Walt died in peace because he was at
peace. He knew his life was in the Lord’s hands and he lived life from that perspective. He
unselfishly poured into the lives of people and organizations always with the view of
eternity in mind.”

The Celebration of Life Service will be on January 25, 2025 at 11:00 am in Henry Chapel
located on the campus of First Baptist Church-Orlando, 3000 S. John Young Pkwy,
Orlando, FL 32805.
The family is asking in lieu of flowers donations be made in memory of Walter Meloon to:

Liz’s Legacy
PO Box 155
Windermere, FL 34786
lizlegacyfoundation.com/donate
A faith based foundation dedicated to insuring that children receive life
changing professional counseling.

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