A Salute to Tony Melton

Without a doubt, the most beloved member of the Making It Growcrew is Tony Melton. I guess we could call Tony the collard guy, or the strawberry guy, or the tomato guy – he’s listed as a specialist in small fruits and vegetables but, honestly, he’s an expert on car repair, roofing and even building a house all by himself. His Halloween costumes have included being a soil sample bag and a superman extension agent, complete with cape. Sadly, he has recently retired due to a rare genetic condition. The Florence Clemson Pee Dee Research and Development Center had a small outdoor event to honor Tony with the unveiling of a plaque and planting of a tree. Tommy Taylor, representing the Pee Dee Plant Professionals, spoke of the guidance and knowledge Tony provided that group for many decades.