TONY AWARD: Melton receives South Carolina’s highest civilian honor

From the left are Clemson Extension director Tom Dobbins, Tony Melton’s spouse, Mitzi Melton, Tony Melton and S.C. Sen. Kent Williams.

From the left are Mitzi Melton, Tony Melton, Gaie McLeod and Kemp McLeod of McLeod Farms in McBee.

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FLORENCE, S.C. – Twice-retired Clemson Cooperative Extension horticulture agent Tony Melton was awarded the Order of the Palmetto on Wednesday On the Florence County Extension Office.

S.C. Sen. Kent Williams launched the award.

“Tony’s dedication and devotion to Clemson Cooperative Extension and the residents we serve are unmatched,” said Thomas Dobbins, the director of the Clemson College Extension Service.

“He doesn’t simply work for Clemson; he works For everyone in South Carolina.”

The Order of the Palmetto is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor, recognizing people For his or her extraordinary achievements, service and contributions to the state. A as quickly as-in-a-lifetime achievement, the award is launched solely to natives or residents of the state.

“What Am i in a place to say about Tony Melton Aside from He is the epitome of A exact public servant?” Williams said. “A particular person who put people forward of himself, devoted and dedicated; That is Tony Melton.

“That Is usually An excellent honor for him right now, One which’s properly deserved and earned for his dedication, his loyalty and his dedication to mankind.

A local of McBee, Melton earned his Bachelor of Science and Grasp of Science in horticulture from Clemson College. He started his profession in Clemson Cooperative Extension in 1989 as a county agent for Darlington, Florence, Lee and Williamsburg counties. Melton was A properly-acknowledged face on SCETV’s “Making it Develop” gardening program, answering questions from callers to the current. He was involved in fruit and vegetin a place evaluation for growers On the Pee Dee Research and Education Center and was awarded a Specialty Crop Block Grant to develop warmth-tolerant butter beans.