James Matthew Meeks

James Matthew Meeks, 81, died peacefully Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at the Eagle Health and Rehab Center under the care of Ogeechee Area Hospice after a long battle with cancer and kidney disease. He was born to the late James Wilson and Myrtice Brown Meeks October 19, 1933, in Statesboro, GA and graduated from Statesboro High School. He was raised with his late sister, Mary Ouida Meeks Spurlin, on his parents’ farm in the Emit Community. James and his late wife, Willow Mae Littleton Meeks, returned to the farm after the death of his father to care for his mother. For many years, James willingly cared not only for his mother, but also enjoyed assisting his late wife in the care of her mother, Mrs. Lula Littleton, in her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. James and Willow loved having family and friends over for a meal and especially enjoyed a good fish fry. He was a quiet but sometimes “ornery” man who was able to laugh at himself and enjoyed working in his garden and around the farm. He retired from King Finishing Company after many years of service.

James was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and wife, as well as his granddaughter, Brandy Meeks and his step-son David Barker. He is survived by two sons, Randy and Dwayne Meeks, and a daughter Marie Meeks Williams of Sylvania, GA, his step-sons Billy (Christine) Barker of Claxton and Donald Barker of Statesboro, GA, a step-daughter, Laura (Chuck) Yeater of Statesboro, GA, a daughter-in-law, Marie Fail Barker of Brooklet, GA, 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Bobby Littleton of Eldora and Jimmy (Peggy) Littleton of Ellabell and sisters-in-law, Louise (Clark) Blitch and Betty (Neil) Terrell of Stilson, GA and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Will Jackson, Dr. Tim Thaller, Dr. Sarujo Dalsnia and Dr. Aaron Clark as well as to the staff of Eagle Health and Rehab of the excellent care given to James during his long illness. The family is also grateful for the wonderful care given by the nursing staff at East Georgia Regional Medical Center during his hospitalizations there as well as Ogeechee Area Hospice staff members for their support and care.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, April 24, in Hodges-Moore Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, April 25, 2015 in the Chapel of Hodges-Moore Funeral Home with Reverend John O’Neal officiating.

Burial will be in Emit Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Tim Huffingham conducting the graveside service.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Ben Barker, Ritchie Harris and Alex Harris, also Dennis Brannen, Bobby Brannen, Wayne Colson and Grady Aycock.

Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Eagle Health and Rehab Center.

Please visit our online memorial at www.hodgesmoore.com to sign the guestbook and share fond memories with the Meeks family.

Memorial contributions may be made to Ogeechee Area Hospice, P.O. Box 541, Statesboro, GA 30459, American Cancer Society, 515 Denmark Street, Suite 500, Statesboro, GA 30458 or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

Hodges-Moore Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.