Harry Meek Jr. fell asleep in death on March 26, 2023, at his home. Poppie, as he preferred to be called, was born on August 28, 1930. He was raised in Doddridge County with an appreciation for nature and a love of all things outdoors.
He is survived by his 3 children. Carol Ann Nicholas, David Meek, his wife Sandy (Davis), Bryan Meek and his wife Tina (Hout), all of the Salem area.
His grandchildren – Benjamin Nicholas, Salem; Kristi Nicholas, Salem; DJ Meek, Clarksburg; Mariah McClain and her husband Ben, Salem; Ashton Meek, Charleston; Cassie Molina and her husband Todd, Pittsburgh, PA and Kayla Glover and her husband Brent, Bridgeport.
His great-grandchildren – Kate, Cooper, Joseph, Johnathan, Genevie, Jacob, Luke, Ella, Elliott, Emilia and Oliver.
Harry, who was an only child, was preceded in death by his parents Harry H. Meek and Macel M. (Nicholson) Meek.
He was a 1950 graduate of Doddridge County High School and he graduated from Salem College in 1954 with a teaching degree specializing in Mechanical Drawing. He taught 8th grade at Washington Junior High in Parkersburg during West Virginia’s desegregation and later at his Alma Mater for several years before realizing he was not meant to be a teacher. He then began a very successful career as a carpenter and cabinet maker.
Harry was also a very talented artist. His beautiful paintings and works of art are proudly displayed in the homes of his three children.
Other than his family, Harry had 3 great loves in his life. First and foremost was the Bible. He grew up listening to his grandmother Ellen Lynch Meek teach him the Bible Truths he would hold dear the rest of his life and on January 15, 1961 he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He attended the Greenwood Congregation on Sunnyside Road in Doddridge County. He loved discussing the Bible and even when he was confined to his home, he would talk about the Bible to everyone who visited. He highlighted God’s Kingdom as the government that would soon bring a permanent solution to all of mankind’s problems and usher in a world of genuine peace and security. He now lies sleeping in death, awaiting a resurrection to eternal life on a paradise Earth.
His second great passion was his guns. He was known for his marksmanship from an early age. His father would give him three .22 shells and tell him to bring home 3 squirrels for dinner. He said it was a good day when he killed 2 squirrels with one shot so he could keep the extra bullet to target shoot with later on. He had rheumatic fever when he was a teenager and had to recuperate for a year. He laid in bed and would target shoot out the window. He loved everything about guns. He loaded his own bullets and would work on guns that people would bring to Stoney’s Sporting Goods or drop by the house.
He loved the mountains of West Virginia and hiked and camped all over Spruce Knob and Seneca. Once at Cooper’s Rock he showed how very talented he was with a bow and arrow, actually saving a young child’s life by using his
archery skills to kill a rattle snake that was ready to strike.
His other passion was working with wood. He could build anything. He worked for Smith Lumber for several years – building nearly 100 homes over the years. Countless pieces of furniture and kitchen cabinets are still being enjoyed by those fortunate enough to have had Harry Meek build for them. His three kids have homes and kitchens built and designed by him. He had a natural talent for woodworking and artistry which he inherited from his grandfather M. V. (Mart) Meek.
He was an avid movie fan and he loved reading the Bible and The Watchtower magazine. And he loved being “tortured” by the hugs of Jodie, Shawna, Layna and Amy.
Poppie was cared for by four absolutely amazing women over the last months of his life and his family will be forever grateful to them. Nettie, Theresa, Becky and Debbie – thank you so much for caring for and for loving Poppie.
We would also like to thank Dr. Kristian Morrison and his nurse Kimberly for the wonderful care they, and everyone at Shinnston Health Care, gave to our father.
Hospice is an amazing service, and we are truly thankful to Danielle and the entire staff who made Dad’s last days peaceful.
Poppie loved his family and was extremely generous with his time and his resources.
A Celebration of Poppies’ Life will be held at a later date. Online condolences can be made at www.davisfuneralhomesalemwv.com. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory Salem is handling the cremation and honored to serve the Meek family.