Leonard Meldred Rauton

Leonard Meldred "Mel" Rauton, Sr., 80, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Phyllis K. Rauton, entered into eternal rest Friday, October 17, 2014. His Funeral Service will be held Monday, October 20, 2014, in J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow in Riverview Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday in Stuhr's West Ashley Chapel from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Mel was born January 1, 1934 in Lyons, Georgia, son of the late Jesse W. Rauton and Clarice Smith Rauton. He was an Army veteran and retired founder of Melcer Tile. He was a member of Pinecrest Baptist Church and a former member of Dorchester Waylyn Baptist Church. Mel was also a member of the Exchange Club of Charleston, Low Country Model A Club, Coastal Carolina Antique Automobile Club of America, Mason, Shriner, an avid Georgia Bulldog Fan and an Old Car Nut! He established Mel's Filling Station, an automobilia museum.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Phyllis King Rauton of Charleston, SC; children, Leonard M. (Cindy) Rauton, Jr of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Melinda (Kurt) Biller of Charleston, SC, Jay W. (Amy) Rauton of Summerville, SC , Kevin Alan (Dyan) Rauton of Meggett, SC and Melanie Hyman of Lawrenceville, GA; brother, George E. (Ann) Rauton of Charleston, SC; sister, Virginia Collins of Lyons, GA; grandchildren, Abby Rauton, Alex Biller, Melissa Rauton, Ansley Rauton (Matt) Hope, Grace Rauton, Jack Rauton and Jason Hyman; and three great-grandchildren, Paisley Hope, Maddy Hyman and Ryan Hyman.

He was predeceased by two brothers, J.W. Rauton and Harry Rauton.

Memorials may be made to Pinecrest Baptist Church, 1285 Ashley Hall Road, Charleston, SC 29407.