James Ray Meeks

James “Ray” Meeks, born March 31, 1930, passed from this life to the loving arms of his Lord and Savior on October 20, 2021. Ray was born in Covington County, Alabama near the city of Opp. His parents, Jesse and Alzie Meeks, raised Ray and his 9 siblings in a humble agricultural lifestyle to value hard work and have an appreciation for family. At the age of 20 Ray began service in the U.S. Army and Army reserve until his Honorable Discharge in 1956. After returning home from service in Germany he moved to Orlando where he met the love of his life, Ouida Caraway, who was born and raised in Slocomb, Alabama. They were married on July 4th, 1954. While in Orlando, Ray and Ouida were blessed with three sons, Monte, Alan (deceased), and Eddie. Ray eventually landed a job as a machinist at Continental Can Company in Winter Garden, and moved his growing family to nearby Ocoee in 1959 where his fourth son, Mark, was born. With a mixture of a strong hand and loving arms Ray and Ouida raised their four sons in Ocoee. Ray stayed busy with his family, work, and a life of service. He was a lieutenant with the Ocoee Volunteer Fire Department, and also worked as a Paramedic. He was an Assistant Scout Master for Troop 217 of the Boy Scouts of America, had taught Sunday School at Ocoee United Methodist Church, and was a member of American Legion Post 109. He also worked tirelessly on a number of rental properties that he and Ouida acquired over the years. His company newspaper once found out about Ray’s activities, and wrote an article titled, “18 Hour Days is Nothing to Meeks”. Ray retired from Continental Can Company after 34 years, and in 1995 moved to Windermere. He enjoyed traveling with his family throughout the United States, and later in life to Europe, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. Ray is survived by his wife Ouida (87); sons Monte (66), Eddie (64), and Mark (61); his sister Sybil Harrison (84); three daughters-in-law, 12 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents, eight siblings, and son James “Alan” Meeks. Ray was a man of uncommon physical strength even into his 90’s. That was only matched by his love for his family, his hospitality, and his diligence. He will be missed greatly by all.

A visitation for James will be held Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A funeral service will occur Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734. A committal service will occur Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Meeks family.