David Lee Meadows

Dr. David Lee Meadows, 86, formerly of Chattanooga, TN went to his heavenly home on June 5th at Morning Pointe Happy Valley in Rossville, GA. Known to his friends as Lee, he was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

Born to the late David Preston Meadows and Evelyn Katherine Hardin Meadows on June 16, 1939, in Pulaski, TN, Lee spent his early years in Waynesboro, TN and his teen years in Olive Hill and Savannah, Tennessee. Upon graduation from Central High School, he attended Memphis State University, graduating also from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry where he was vice president of the Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. While there he was inducted into the honorary Richard Doggett Dean Odonatological Society.

He practiced general dentistry in East Ridge for 43 years. During this time, he served as president for the Brainerd-East Ridge Dental Study and later as president of the Chattanooga Dental Study Club. He also served as president of the Third District Dental Society 1982-1983 and was awarded the Tennessee Dental Association Fellowship Award for outstanding service to his profession and the community. He co-authored the manual of the Tennessee Dental Association Approved Continuing Education program. Lee also served in the US Army Dental Corp in Texas, Alabama, and South Korea as well as in Tennessee, where he served in the Army Reserves as a Major.

Lee considered his family as the most significant part of his life. He and Dee Dee Meacham were married on December 9, 1967, at First Centenary United Methodist Church, where he was a longtime member, serving as an usher for 45 years, the chairperson of the Global Missions Committee for 6 terms, an active member of the Morgan Sunday School Class, and serving on almost 20 missions trips in the Americas, Caribbean, and Africa.

Lee enjoyed a variety of activities, from being involved in the East Ridge Lions Club, to assisting the start-up of a local chapter of the Ulster Project, which ministers to youth from Northern Ireland. He played the saxophone in a band in his younger adult years, enjoyed tending a large vegetable garden, was an avid reader, and enjoyed membership in the Chattanooga Track Club in his more mature years, even running his first marathon at age 50. He ran with his buddies, known as the “Back of the Pack” club.

However, his greatest delight was spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by the love of his life, Dee Dee Meadows; cherished daughter, Margaret Compton (Jeff); adored granddaughters, Catherine, Corley, and Gracie Compton; and sisters-in-law, Donna Meadows and Charlotte Mullis Morgan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joe Meadows and Erle Meadows; and granddaughter, Evelyn Hope Compton.

The family will receive friends at First Centenary United Methodist Church at 1:30 on June 16th with a memorial service following at 2:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the missions ministry of First Centenary United Methodist Church (https://firstcentenary.com/give).

The family would like to thank the many friends who have been our support and comfort. Thanks to LeAnne Tatum with Aging Care Management; care givers, Roberta Watson and Sarah Clifton; and to Ashley Gorrell with Hospice Tapestry. Much gratitude to the compassionate staff, caregivers, and nurses at Morning Pointe Happy Valley. You have been the hands and feet of Jesus to us.

Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.