Earl C. Mealing Jr.

Earl Connly Mealing, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois on December 12, 1947 to Margaret and Earl Mealing, Sr., who preceded him in death. He completed his transition to glory on November 23, 2021 surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

At an early age, Earl accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, often referring to his Catholic upbringing. Earl frequently reflected on the correction he received by the priests and nuns while in school. He commented that his excellent penmanship was due to the strict expectations of the nuns. His stepmother, Ann Mealing, commented that she would drop Earl off at school, but there were times he would not actually go into the school. Earl never disputed this.

Earl joined the United States Marine Corp in 1966 stationed at Camp LeJune and served a tour in Vietnam. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnamese Service Medal, the Vietnamese Campaign Medal, and the Marksman Badge, Rifle.

Upon his return from Vietnam, Earl began his long-term career as a professional driver for the Chicago Transit Authority. It was during his typical workday in 1974, that the love of his life would step onto his bus. Not hesitating to ask her out, Earl and Loretta spent the next 47 years together, uniting in holy matrimony in 1985. Over the years, Earl and Loretta gave new meaning to the phrase, “the two shall become one”. To this union, Earl and Loretta were blessed with three children, Monica (you), Keema (her) and James Earl (him). Earl decided after his grandchildren were born that his children’s names were less important so he referred to them with pronouns. His heart was completely taken by his grandchildren, Jaylen (his bowling protégé), Jason (the boy) and Jocelyn (his best friend).

A constant companion by Earl’s side was his sister, Gail. She was his “ride-or-die” sibling. Gail shared a very touching moment at the hospital standing by her brother’s side as she kissed his forehead and said, “Junior, I love you.” Gail blessed her brother with an incredibly special nephew, Cameron Earl Mealing, whom Earl loved and cared for dearly.

Earl also celebrated his life with his brothers, Craig Hamilton and Kevin Mealing, who both preceded him in death. His sisters, Danielle (Timothy) Thomas of Alabama and Renee Hamilton of Arizona, as well as his brother Anthony Mealing of Arizona were never far from his thoughts.

Earl also celebrated his life with a host of in-laws, relatives, friends and acquaintances. He had a “girlfriend”, Johnnie Carver, his wife’s sister. When Earl would have a disagreement with his wife he would call his girlfriend, who most often than not, took his side.

Earl gave his wife and children all the love and laugh he could. He provided his sly smile, his professional side-eye, and most importantly whispering his words of love to them every day. His fight and spirit was for his family, and he gave them his all.

A Visitation for Earl will be held on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 11:00AM-1:00PM at Horis A. Ward Funeral Home - Fairview Chapel, 376 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, Georgia 30281, with the Celebration of Life beginning at 1:00PM. The Interment will immediately follow in Fairview Memorial Gardens.

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