Thomas Franklin Meeks Jr.

March 27, 1938, the greatest man I've ever know was brought into this big wonderful world. He was the son of Thomas F. Meeks Sr. and Ina Fay Meeks. It wasn't long before he was able to show the world all that he had to offer. He excelled through school, even skipping a grade, it was this great fortune that allowed him to meet the greatest woman I know, my grandma, his wife, Pat. They were married on November 10th 1956. On that day, a new chapter in his life begun, and shortly after he became a father to 3 daughters. As he worked his way through 2 and 3 jobs at a time to support his family, he still knew that he wanted more. He went from delivering bread to grocery stores to eventually owning the grocery stores. But he still was not satisfied. After a long conversation with "THE BOSS" his wife, it was decided that they would take a leap of faith and get into the real estate business. As with all of his ventures he took it very seriously and was a great success in no time. Tom worked for Thompson Realtors early on and eventually became a partner, and then established Cal/Am REALTORS where he had several salesmen working for him. In the early 80's Tom became interested in property management. He opened American Property Management and later purchased 3 other property management companies. This was the beginning of what is now Professional Realty Management, a company that he was devoted to for the last 40 years and even worked at until just 30 days ago.

I have been lucky to have spent my entire life with both of my grandparents, every piece of knowledge that I have has come from them. I have worked side by side with my grandpa for 24 years and I am so thankful for that opportunity. We have had many adventures along the way. For people that know us well, they know that he loved his boat, and for many years, would

spend every weekend there. My grandpa "Pop" also had other accomplishments that he was very proud of, he was both a Mason and Shriner. He was the best husband, greatest grandpa, most fair boss, and most importantly an honest loving man.

On February 3rd, 2017 Pop went to heaven with my grandma "Mema" and that is what he wanted. They were married for sixty years on earth and now are together forever in heaven. Both will be missed by so many people.

Tom leaves behind a family that loved him very much. His grandson Josh Howells and his wife Ashley Howells, their six kids Hannah, Brooklyn, Jack, Riley, Julian and Alexis. His granddaughter Abbie and Nadine Spencer Howells, granddaughter Amanda Pitts and her children Halie, Zack, and Austin, and all of the employees at Professional Realty Management, which were all just like family to him.

Services will be held Monday, February 13, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery 9101 Kern Canyon Road Bakersfield, CA 93306.

Published in Bakersfield Californian on Feb. 9, 2017

Arrangements under the direction of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary, Bakersfield, CA.