Sunday, June 4, 2023
By Outer Banks Voice on March 15, 2023
The Outer Banks is mourning the death and celebrating the life of Delbert Melton today.
In a March 15 Facebook post, Kill Devil Hills Mayor Ben Sproul, used the words, “Man. Myth. Legend” to describe him, writing that, “Many an amazing tale will be retold today, as the world reverberates with this tremendous loss. The biggest heart and a bigger personality dominated lineups up and down the OBX for decades – profoundly influencing generations of groms, salty surfers, and innocent bystanders alike.”
In a 2016 story on the Outer Banks Voice, Author Russ Lay characterized him as “the kind of non-conformist, drop-out-of-society soul who regularly washed up on our shores and became part of the unique fabric of our community. Sporting a pirate’s-length beard, working odd jobs to earn just enough money to surf and keep a minimal roof over his head and flouting society’s idea of ‘normal,’ all Melton asked was that people leave him alone.”
The Voice is working on a fuller remembrance of Delbert Melton.
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Chris Smith
WE LOVEYOU!!!! YOU WILL BE SORELY MISSED “OL BOY ” NOT ENOUGH RED LABELS IN THE COUNTY TO SALUTE YOU. RED LABLE BEING A BUDWISER
Matt
Delbert was a special guy. We shared an afternoon of perfect waves on a newly building swell one summer afternoon around 20 years ago. We were not friends and I only saw him in the water once or twice after that but I always remembered him being a special person and one of a kind.
Liz
For anyone interested, type Delbert Melton in the search window at the top of the page. That will bring up several pieces about Delbert, including the one by Russ Lay mentioned in this article.
Yes, the Outer Banks has lost another character. Being called a character is a high compliment!
George Lamb
Dilbert always kind, giving, gentle and willing to offer his wisdom to everyone! First time I met Delbert in the 70s he offered me a sandwich and a beer, he not have much but always give! Later he moved to Hatteras Village and he share a custom Brewer stinger to me for two weeks till I get mine fixed. I get double fisted handshakes from that guy every time I saw him. Many stories pass by till i with my kids run into him singing in the E Martin access shower. He with fur all covered in suds go out with me for evening session (as joke I asked) “Let’s Go”… He did, all soapy! Though our meetings were randomly, double fisted, handshakes and gentle bear hugs alway offered and now missing… Till we meet again! A Brother Always!
Human Utensil for the Rich
I have been a Outer Banks Surf Troll since 1975.
Shared many waves and laughs with Delbert when he lived on Hatteras Island.
He could be an intimidating beast one moment, changing to the gentle giant the next, depending on what the situation called for.
And, as all who knew of him, he did not worship gold!
Sandflea
Sorry to hear.
Anyone know how old he was?
M
Met him in the water when I was 8 years old and was lucky to surf with him into my 20s. A living icon. Lived a peaceful life. RIP king! You will be missed greatly.
Dave
Legends in the lineup never die! “OUTSIDE BOYS, OUTSIDE!”