Drew Alden Meyer

October 28, 1943 – November 13, 2024

An exceptional man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him

Drew Alden Meyer, born on October 28, 1943 in Hershey, Pennsylvania passed away suddenly at his Birmingham, Alabama home on November 13, 2024. He is preceded in death by his parents, Marian Bomberger Meyer and Ray Chester Meyer.

Drew is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Dixie Hollinger Meyer, and was a devoted father to daughter, Kimberly Meyer Cronin (Jason Cronin) and Jenny Meyer Plaia (David Plaia). He was a proud grandfather to Alexander Etheredge (Alyssa Etheredge), Megan Cronin Jarrell (Devon Jarrell), Lauren Plaia White (Cooper White), Patrick Cronin, Ashley Etheredge (Jarred Klockner), Macy Cronin, Lydia Plaia, and proud great-grandfather to Delilah Jane Etheredge. He is also survived by his brother, Ray Meyer of Quakertown, Pennsylvania.

Drew’s journey began in Hershey where during his high school years he met the love of his life, Dixie. The two shared a deep bond that lasted a lifetime, marrying before Drew completed his master’s degree in mineral economics at Penn State University. Dixie supported the couple during those early years as Drew worked toward his degree and together they lived modestly and spoke fondly of those days and the dreams they shared for their future.

In 1966, Drew joined the U.S. Army as an officer and shortly after the birth of their first daughter moved to Mannheim, Germany, Drew’s service in the Army, including a deployment to Vietnam in 1969, left a profound impact on him. It was during this time that Drew’s patriotism and support for the military grew deeply. He was a quiet but steadfast supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that reflected his lifelong commitment to honoring those who served. Drew received several military awards, including the Bronze Star, for his service.

Drew went on to have a distinguished career at Vulcan Materials Company, where he spent 38 years and retired as the Vice President of Marketing and Transportation. Over the years, Drew’s leadership in the mining industry earned him numerous prestigious awards and leadership positions; President of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), AIME Hal Williams Hardinge Award for outstanding achievement in industrial minerals, President’s Citation for outstanding leadership and service to SME. He also authored numerous publications, served on multiple committees and was on the board of directors of both SME and the National Sand and Gravel Association (NSSGA) where he was an honorary lifetime member of the board of directors.

Though Drew’s professional accomplishments were significant, he was most proud of his family. He and Dixie shared a love that many dream of-one that was steadfast, enduring and joyful. Drew loved traveling with Dixie, especially to visit family and friends. They loved a good road trip. Their recent travels included a trip to Hawaii in November and an upcoming cruise was planned for March 2025.

In his free time, Drew could be found relaxing on the patio, watching football, enjoying a glass of cabernet sauvignon or enjoying a cigar. He was also known for dancing with Dixie to their favorite songs while holding her hand and singing to her, a testament to the deep love they shared. Drew’s commitment to his family, his work and his country made him a man respected and loved by all who knew him. He was one in a million-a kind, caring and generous soul who will be deeply missed by family, friends and colleagues alike.

Drew’s legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of his family and his memory will be cherished forever. He will be loved and missed “to the moon and back a gazillion times”.

The family has planned a private celebration of Drew's life.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause close to Drew’s heart.