Bartholomew "Bart" James Melody

Bartholomew “Bart” James Melody, age 50, passed away on July 18, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born on November 26, 1975, and was raised in Ohio. Bart graduated from Cleveland State University and spent the majority of his career working with individuals with disabilities. He was employed as a special education teacher for Aiken County Public Schools. Bart’s humor always brought a smile to the faces of kids and adults alike. He loved making his family, friends, and coworkers laugh, and his quick wit was something everyone who knew him appreciated.

Bart was a loving husband and father. He met his wife, Kelly, in Cleveland in 1999. They became lifelong Cleveland sports fans and rarely missed cheering on the Guardians, Cavaliers, Browns, or his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes together. Bart was also an avid runner who was dedicated to working out and maintaining his physical fitness. During his downtime, he was never too far from his kindle, where he would be engrossed in his favorite crime fiction novels.

Bart was an animal lover throughout his life. He adored his boxers and always had a special place in his heart for them. He also loved the cats he had over the years, even if he wasn’t always willing to admit it.

One of Bart’s greatest joys was supporting his daughter, Nora (11), in everything she did. He loved taking her to swim practices and meets and was proud to watch her improve with every season. He also enjoyed cheering her on at track and field and cross country meets. No matter the sport, Bart was always Nora’s biggest cheerleader.

Bart is survived by his awesome wife, Kelly, and amazing daughter, Nora, as well as his mother, Judith Melody; siblings Lynn Taylor (Myron), Austin Melody (Carrie), Elizabeth Chappell, and Mary Melody. He was also a loving uncle to his nephews, Christian, James, and Oliver, and nieces, Hannah and Haley. Bart was preceded in death by his father, Jack; his stepmother, Joanne; and his niece, Chloe.

Bart will be remembered for his sense of humor, his kindness, and his love for his family.

No formal service will be held. Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Shellhouse-Rivers, 715 E. Pine Log Rd., Aiken, SC 29803, on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nora’s 529 education fund through backer.com/norascollegefund643. 

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC