Melvin Eugene Abston, age 84 of Sparta, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2021 at St. Thomas Highlands Hospital.

Mr. Abston was born January 21, 1937 in White County, Tennessee to the late Claude Abston and Lillian England Abston Rollins. Melvin was a retired truck driver for Purina Feed. He loved watching old western movies, as well as working and riding horses. He took great pride in his gardening also. In addition, he loved spending time with his grandkids and was very proud for each and every one of them.

In addition to his parents, Melvin is preceded in death by his sister Enzena Abston.

Melvin is lovingly survived by his

Wife: Mary Katherine Abston

Mother-in-law: Dortha Selby

Children: Terry Abston, Charlotte (Joe) Sandoval, Dariel Abston, Carol Abston, Tammy (Bill) Hitchcock - all of Sparta

Grandchildren: Chris Abston of Sparta, Travis (April) Rich of Sparta, Steven (Stacie) Rich of Sparta, Brittany (Chris) Lawson of Lebanon, Shelby Rutherford of Sparta, Katy Hitchcock of Sparta, Adam Hitchcock of Sparta

Great-grandchildren: Logan Rich of Sparta, Aubree Lawson of Lebanon, Jaxon Lawson of Lebanon

Sister-in-law: Joyce (Ronnie) Spivey of Sparta

Very Special Niece: Derona Lee of Sparta & her son Ethan Lee

Funeral services will be conducted 1pm Monday, October 11, 2021 at Copeland's Chapel Church with burial in Highland Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Church from 10am until service time. Brother Freddie Copeland and Adam Hitchcock will officiate.

Adam Hitchcock, Bill Hitchcock, Larry Officer, Lloyd Finley, Joe Goins and Scott Kelley will serve the family as pallbearers.