Thomas Ray Meetze

Born in Lexington November 29, 1940. After a courageous battle with a multimorbidity list of ailments naming just a few beginnings with Parkinsons Disease with Dementia, AKI on CKD, rapidly being diagnosed with Acute encephalopathy, Anemia, further decline with Dysphagia then Sepsis. Though his body bore the weight of many trials, his spirit remained fierce, he met each challenge with grace, grit, and a heart full of fight. A host of medical conditions, he showed us what true strength looks like. He fought the good fight, kept the faith, singing word for word while in Baptist Hospital the song singing these words Jesus is my Lord, my Master and Savior, now and forever more, Jesus is the one who delivers me daily from my sins and shame, Praise you Jesus, Son of God, and the blood of the lamb, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, God of Abraham., Hallelujah.

He was predeceased by his loving and dedicated wife Linda Keisler Meetze, and their precious dog Ozzie.

Mr. Meetze was the son of the late Oliver and Mary Meetze, brother Caldwell (Beulah) Meetze, sister Irene (George) Barrett of Lexington. Survived by his loving daughter and caretaker Tracey (Cameron) Derrick, two grandchildren Nicholas born on Christmas Day, and Carmen Derrick born on Thanksgiving Day 27th, Mr. Meetze also survived by loving and faithful brother Horace (Betty) Meetze and nephew Ashley Meetze, nieces Lisa Sawyer and Linda (Tony) Turbeville, one step son Brittan (Nikki) Keisler, two step-grandchildren Emma and Elise, one sister in law Frances (Don) McCurdy.

Mr. Meetze retired from the Columbia Police Department, he devoted nearly four decades to his profession- a legacy of service marveled by quiet integrity, steadfast commitment and the kind of everyday excellence that rarely seeks applause but always leaves a mark. There were numerous newspaper articles from State and Columbia Star starting with his first seventeen years in traffic division on a Harley Davidson Motorcycle. He received many accolades over the years walking the beat from Five Points Merchants, hadn’t taken a sick day in 23 years and that was from last known published article thanking Meetze for decades of service. He became a fixture in Five Points.

Back in 1982 he started selling Buck-A-Cup-Brace -A-Child buttons for Easter Seals, his record then was 5,000. , fast forward to 97 and 98 topping 35,000 buttons, known to be unstoppable selling the most buttons, receiving the volunteer service award from 1969 to 2001. He walked more than 15,000 miles in his years in Five Points nonstop stamina Easter Seals and Buck-A- Cup. Newspaper articles mentioned Meetze averages 100 to 125 tickets a day during holidays, the rest of the year 85 tickets a day, his record was 157 in one day. He also served in the Army National Guard.

Mr. Meetze had a few favorite pets over the years, a true animal lover, Trouble, TJ, Blackie, and Ozzie.

He enjoyed traveling with his late wife Linda, countless adventurous trips to New York, Branson MO, Holy City Orlando, Fl., Butterfly Sanctuary in Key West Fl, Kentucky, Virgina. Grove Park NC, a concert to see Mickey Gilley in GA., He enjoyed taking grandkids to the local aquariums., He enjoyed watching SC Gamecocks Football and the lady’s women’s basketball, he kept everybody informed of these two teams ref times and channel, he loved being outdoors, yard work would always be well maintained one of the prettiest in the neighborhood.

This past spring and summer spending quality time with his daughter Tracey, visiting the local zoo, and weekly meals at local chains like Captain D’s, Arby’s, Maurices BBQ, taking time to visit other family members while still able. Mr. Meetze liked to stay on the go despite his ailments that would slow him down., He was a member and servant of Cayce United Methodist, He volunteered many years serving with his late wife at God’s Helping Hands and Lexington Interfaith Community Services. The family wishes to thank doctors, nurses, medical staff at Baptist Prisma Hospital, Still Hopes Rehabilitation- Sanders Unit – Elaine, Leah, Dee, Celeste, Symathia aka Sam, Lexington Medical Center and LMC in house Hospice MSA for their long hours and dedicated medical services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Cayce United Methodist Church 1600 12th St Cayce, SC 29033, or God’s Helping Hands 919 Holland Avenue, Cayce SC., or Parkinson’s Foundation http://www.parkinson.org., the Michael J Fox Foundation http://www.michaeljfox.org, or American Parkinson Disease Association http://support.apdaparkinson or Animal Protection League http://aplsc.org.

Visitation will be on Friday Sep 12th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home – West Columbia Chapel, 820 W Dunbar Road, West Cola.

Traditional Services will be held at Cayce United Methodist Church at 2:30 pm, Saturday Sept 13th.

Burial immediately after service at Celestial Memorial Gardens 3111 Delree St, West Cola, 29170.