Long-time Horticulture Agent Tony Melton retired earlier this month, finishing out a 40-year career with Clemson University. Tony is best known for his passion for working with fruit and vegetable growers in the Pee Dee Region, as well as his frequent appearances on SCETV’s Making It Grow.
Tony first began his career with Clemson University in 1980 in the Horticulture Department before earning his Master’s degree in Horticulture and becoming an Extension Agent in 1989. He attributes his passion for horticulture to the time he spent working with the McLeod family of McBee, SC in his teens. To honor his dedication, the McLeods later created and funded a Clemson University scholarship in Tony’s name.
In addition to his work with the farming community, Tony worked closely with the Master Gardeners in the Pee Dee and wrote weekly articles for the Florence Morning News. He was also involved in fruit and vegetable research, managing 20 acres of research plots at the Pee Dee Research and Educations Center in Darlington. As part of this work, Tony was recently awarded a Specialty Crop Block Grant to develop heat tolerant butter beans.
Throughout his career, Tony has earned numerous awards including the Distinguished Public Service Award from the Clemson Alumni Association, the County Agent of the Year from the SC Beekeeper Association, and the Distinguished Service Award from the SC Association of County Agricultural Agents.
Tony is well respected by his peers and is known for his love of work and staying busy. He’s even been known to show up on farms before the sun comes up. His kind-hearted personality and vast knowledge will be greatly missed as we all wish Tony well in this next chapter. Thanks for everything you’ve done and the impact you’ve made, Tony!
The South Carolina Grower 
10 responses to “Tony Melton Retires After Long Career with Clemson”
We will miss so much ..thank you for years many years of service …I always felt like you thought there was never a stupid guestion…..enjoy retirement!!!!
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We will miss so much ..thank you for years many years of service …I always felt like you thought there was never a stupid guestion…..enjoy retirement!!!!
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From North Carolina Always liked when Tony was on Making It Grow, his educated, common sense approach to growing will be missed. Prayers for his health are lifted up.
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Tony, you will be missed…Enjoy your retirement…Fred Davis
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Best wishes !!!
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Best wishes for a relaxing and fulfilling retirement. I have learned so much from you since I started in Master Gardeners.
May God bless and keep you!
– Jan Hilton
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I have watched MIG from the beginning. I am 86 & can’t remember when you started but you are my favorite down to earth good info regular. We will all miss y ou. Have a great retirement.
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I already miss you so much Tony !
My husband, elderly Mom and I got to know you in “Making It Grow” and what a delight it was for Mom to watch you with Amanda and the team.
Tuesday evening was our happiest evening of the week together with you !
Take each day with God’s grace Tony – as I know you will.
Kathleen Condon-Montgomery
Mt. Pleasant, SC
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[…] After a 40-year carrer with Clemson Extension, Tony retired earlier this summer to focus on his health. In addition to his work with fruit and vegetable farmers in the Pee Dee, Tony was a frequent guest on SCETV’s Making It Grow and was well respected in the community for his home gardening expertise. […]
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[…] legacy at Clemson University is the countless number of younger agents that over his 40-year career have been inspired by his positivity, humility, hard work, dedication to the community, and love […]
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