August Shelby Melchior

August S. "BB" Melchior, 80, of Wilson, passed away September 22, 2026, with his family by his side, after facing Parkinson's disease for more than a decade with patience and grace.

BB was born August 13, 1946, to Drs. George W. Melchior and Josephine T. Melchior and spent nearly his whole life in Wilson. BB loved learning about what made things work, especially engines. While still a student at Fike High School, he was already working as a motorcycle mechanic. He was drafted into the Army and served stateside as an MP, then earned a chemistry degree from Atlantic Christian College (now Barton College). He went on to work for GE in Wilmington and for Firestone/Bridgestone in Wilson as a chemist and engineer.

If something was not working correctly, BB wanted to fix it. For decades, he was on call for anyone with something broken or rattling. He considered it a pleasure to help people fix things and he gained satisfaction from a problem solved. After retirement, he jumped at the opportunity to work as a machinist rebuilding Whirligigs for the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park in Wilson.

He married Meta King Moore in 1974, and they shared 40 years together until her passing in 2015. He is survived by his sons, August S. Melchior, Jr. (Danielle) and Frank M. Melchior; his brother, Dr. George W. Melchior (Earline); and his sister, Priscilla R. Melchior (William Royster), and many nieces and nephews.

The family is very grateful to BB’s brother-in-law, Craige, for his friendship and support throughout the years; to Adaline, Agnes, and Gentry; and to the nurses and staff of Hillcrest at Crabtree Valley for their compassionate care.

A date and time for the service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to a The Parkinson's Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.