Philip L Meek

COLUMBIA - Colonel Philip Leslie Meek, age 95, died on September 7, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents Mary Esther Gardner and George William Meek of York, SC; and a sister Marjorie Meek Clark of Chester. He was born in York, SC on December 5, 1920. A service in celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Bethel United Methodist Church, Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. During World War II, Colonel Meek served with the United States Air Force 1942-46 in the China Burma Theater. He began his service with the Highway Patrol on April 1, 1948 and served in Honea Path, Conway, Spartanburg, Chester, and Columbia, SC. He completed law enforcement courses at University of Tennessee, Northwestern University, University of South Carolina, Fort Gordon, GA, and Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA. He was promoted to corporal in 1954, to sergeant in 1957, and to lieutenant in 1965. In 1973 Colonel Meek was promoted to captain of District Four Headquarters in Chester. Under his leadership, District Four was cited three times as Patrol District of the Year in the State. In 1976, Colonel Meek was promoted to assistant commander of the Highway Patrol. On June 14, 1980 he was promoted to director with the rank of Colonel where he served until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of Governor Dick Riley’s committee on criminal justice, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Association, International Chiefs of Police, and Law Enforcement Training Council, Criminal Justice Academy. He was recognized by the Governor’s Committee on Highway Safety for “dedicated and outstanding service to citizens of the state,” and in 1987 was presented the state’s highest award, the Order of the Palmetto and presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Hunt of NC. He also received the Strom Thurman Award for excellence in law enforcement. He was very active in both Bethel United Methodist Church in Chester and Columbia serving on the official board, along with other committees, and as an usher. Philip enjoyed hunting, his rose garden, and his vegetable garden. He found great joy in sharing roses and tomatoes with his friends and loved ones. Philip and his wife, Sarah, also enjoyed traveling- visiting all 50 states and 23 countries. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Norman Meek; daughters, Jane Meek Armstrong and her husband Bill, of Rock Hill, SC; Peggy Meek Potts and her husband Charles of Mt. Pleasant, SC; three grandchildren, William Meek Armstrong of Fort Mill, SC, John Philip Armstrong of Ft. Campbell, KY, and Sarah Ellen Potts of Mt. Pleasant, SC; two great grandsons: Henry Cook and William Armstrong; three brothers, Max Meek of Chester, SC; George Meek of York, SC; James Meek of Greer, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 4600 Daniel Dr, Columbia, SC 29206. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.