Meacham Family Gathers

Sarah

Fran

John and Brenda

Jack

Marc and Cathy

Tom

Katie and Alex

Jonathan and Sandy

John Ferrell Meacham Sr 1924~2008

Memorial for John Ferrell Meacham

Born in Oklahoma City, OK on Feb. 18, 1924 Departed on Aug. 27, 2008 and resided in Thomasville, GA.

John Ferrell Meacham Sr, 84, died August 27, 2008 at Glenn-Mor Nursing Home. He has resided in Thomasville for the past 6 years, at Suites of Woodleaf for 5 years, Plantation Manor for 1 year, and prior to that resided in Orlando Florida for over 30 years with wife Patricia Downing Meacham, who preceeded him in death in 2001. 

Born February 18th, 1924 in Norman Oklahoma, Mr Meacham was the son of Edgar D. Meacham, former Arts and Sciences Dean of Oklahoma University and Rae Ferrell Meacham, both deceased, attended school in Norman, graduating with the class of 1948 from Oklahoma University with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He was a lifetime member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Serving in WWII as USNR Ensign, Mr Meacham sailed USSLCI (L) 799 to Ulithi, Guam, Leyte Gulf, Okinawa. He was recalled in 1951 as Captain, USS E-PCER 851, Potomac River Naval Command, Korean War, then served in the Vietnam war as Lt Commander of USNR, 1968. 

Mr Meacham was Director of Aeronautics in Grand Rapids Michigan, Deputy Director of Aviation, San Francisco and retired in Orlando Florida after an illustrious career as Director of Aviation at the Orlando International Airport. His major accomplishment was overseeing the expansion of the former Navy Station to accommodate air travel for Disney World and other Floridian vacation destinations. 

He was a lifetime member of St John's Episcopal church in Norman Oklahoma where he will be interned in the Meacham family niche at St John's Columbarium Chapel at a later date. 

His hobby remained sailing, first on the *HoneyWind* in San Francisco, and later on the *Second WInd* in Orlando. Another special hobby was the making and repair of old clocks.

Survivors include sons John F. Meacham Jr (Brenda), Dr Thomas D. Meacham (Francesca), all of Thomasville, Georgia, Dr Marc Meacham (Cathy) of Queensbury New York, Jack Meacham of Atlanta Ga, sister Martha Lunger (Richard) of Norman Oklahoma and nephews Ray and Jay Lunger of Texas. 

Grandchildren include John F. Meacham III and Joseph Meacham of Zenia Ohio, Katherine and Alexander Meacham of Thomasville, Georgia, Sarah and Jonathan Meacham of Queensbury New York, Step Grandchildren Ranes Carter (Heather)of Lehi, Utah, Blace Carter of Thomasville Georgia, and six step great grandchildren, Sky Carter of Thomasville, Braydon, Tyson and Kayleigh Carter of Lehi Utah, Lacey O'Neal of Marianna, Florida and Carter Martin Paris of West Jordon, Utah.

A private family memorial will be held in Thomasville with pending memorial and internment at St John's Episcopal Church in Norman Oklahoma. 

Memorials maybe made to The National Audubon Society, 225 Varick Street, 7th floor, Department W NY, NY 10014, Phone: (212) 979-3000, or online at https://loon.audubon.org/payment/donate/CDGFT.html

Guests may sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com.

Brenda is SIXTY

If I didn't do another thing for this occasion, this scene would have been enough to make me smile for a LONG time. We went to Rodizios Brazilian restraunt with Ranes, Heather, Braydon, Tyson, Kayleigh, Marty, Jen, Addison and Carter. We had a great meal complete with the Brazilian Band singing in their langauge, *Happy Birthday*.  

Prior to that we went with Ranes and Family to the International Peace Gardens, incredibly beautiful, then Marty and family arrived, we went to Children's Museum, another total treat for a Grandma, and lastly to Build-a-Bear, where we got to see how Bears are built by children!  

What a SUPERB Birthday Celebration! 

A highlight of our vacation and a very spiritual time as we all went in to the Chapel of Transfiguration.....all sat down as they arrived, simply looking out the large window behind the alter, seeing a spetacular view of the Grand Tetons. Someone began to softly sing *Amaxing Grace*, another joined in and before the first verse ended, all were singing.  It was such a peaceful time of communion with nature and man.

I can't even describe it with words, just look!

John and I took an organized vacation with the local TV newscaster, Art Myers and his wife DeeDee.  It is advertised as such, so folks feel comfortable going as it is not only endorsed by the celebrity, but he and his wife were with us from start to finish. 

We flew out of Tallahassee, landed in Chicago, visited Navy Pier~toured Chicago the next day then boarded an Amtrack train to ride up through Illinois, crossing the states below Canada to Montana where we began a bus tour down through Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Utah. It was a 10 day trip, included *Going to the Sun Road*, Glacier Mountains, Yellowstone Park, Old Faithful, and the watery trail that Lewis and Clark took through the mountains~ we saw what they saw~ it truly did appear that the mountains had a *Gateway* and opened up for the boat. 

Our last stop was Salt Lake City where we got to spend some time with the Grandchildren.

 It just doesn't get any better than that!!!

Addison is 6!!

This is perhaps THE most incredible picture I have seen of a little girl holding a baby. The expression is beyond comprehension other than the fact that she is REALLY enjoying this baby!

It looks almost surreal if you didn't know that Addison is a real person and that is a real baby!

Not sure, but I think this might have been a Birthday Picture!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ADDISON!!!

Our Schnauzer Houseguests

Meet Lissa and Kail, *children* of our good friend Grady Bradshaw.

Grady called on July 8th, Sky's Birthday, to tell us he was back in the hospital and needed us to watch his babies, so we went to Manchester, brought them back to spend a while with us until Grady feels better. 

Lissa is Gabby and Cissy's sister!  She is Gromit's neice (daughter of one of his sisters)

ALL have the same Mama and Daddy!!

Kail (solid while) is not related to any of them, was purchased from Texas by Grady to breed with Lissa as he has always wanted a solid white male!! 

While they were staying with us, they bred (at the vets) on August 14th, the day we left for vacation) 

~Lissa~

(daughter of Melissa, same as our three)

Kail, the solid white male

Kail's face! He looks different from our schnauzers as his ears are trimmed and we prefer the non-trimmed kind. Gromit has natural straight ears (like a deer) the others flop real cute~

Sky Turns 11!!!

Here she is in Kindergarten!  The years have flown and FAST!

We went to a family gathering at a Mexican Restaurant, Sky's favorite!

She and her Mama Karen had a busy day and Karen actually had to decorate the cake in the car while she was waiting for Sky to get done with one of her many activities. 

Karen said the car was hot, but I can promise you (and I AM a cake specialist) the cake was DELICIOUS!! Look at those cool swirl candles!

A special gift!! Not sure who is the cutest, Sky or the doll!

Sky and Mama Blace! 

It has been many years since they got to party together! 

Grandma and Papa John at their best~ eating~

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SKYBABY~ WE LOVE YOU!!!

Happy Birthday Ranes and America

We actually did not get to spend July 4th with Ranes this year although we have tried to be together as often as possible. We did (John, Mother, Uncle James and myself) drove to Jakin Georgia to celebrate the day with Cousin Cindy and her husband TR (who has a superb Elvis and Marilyn Monrow collection, a jukebox, all sorts of musical instruments and can play the organ so beautifully that tears will come to your eyes. 

SO. the picture above is a favorite, is Ranes on stage, age six, at Jerger School in Thomasville Georgia!  He is the doll in green (Robin Hood?) I think Mamoo made this costume as she did most of his special occasion outfits, she being the family seamstress. My favorite of all is Ranes as Donald Duck, priceless! 

Lehi Rodeo and Pioneer Days

Following these post from the bottom up, I was in Utah for a prefessional meeting, had the opportunity to see Ranes one night, to see the rest of his family another night, then to share the Lehi Rodeo Parade with all of them including Marty, Jen, Addison and Carter.

 What a GREAT time!!

No clue what Carter is doing, but I have indeed seen one other person do this, my friend Peggy Harrell.  I didn't know what she was doing either but it was hilarious! 

 Addison and Carter are two peas in a pod!

I HAD to post this funny event too.  Carter was overwhelmed by the lady in the Lovely Red dress. He simply ran up to her, grabbed her hand (she was actually headed in the opposite direction), and began to walk with her.  Addison more than likely knew this was not real good to walk off with a stranger, as she took off after them, appears to be trying to get Carter under control.  Well, Carter would not hear of it, so all three turned around and came back.! 

 If he could not go with her, then she had to come to US!

 *Miss Kitty*,  was dresed for the pioneer festival!  Later, her husband *The Sheriff* came back over to meet again, wanted to know if Carter was trying to beat his time! It was a HOOT!! 

 Look at Carter pulling her, he means business! 

Terri and Baby Eli watching the parade!  Terri is my favorite hairdresser as well Heather, my dauther-in-law's sister and one of my grandchildren's favorite aunt, and just a sweetheart of a person to be around. At this writting she now has TWO babies of her own after those few years of being a substitute Mom for her neices and nephews! 

Underwater Hyperbaric Medical Society

This looks like the beginning of the UHMS meeting, but is actually the end, the beginning is at the bottom!  Conveniently, the same day the meeting was over coincided with the Lehi Rodeo as well as a Dutch Oven Event within walking distance of the parade route. The Lehi Rodeo is an annual event, amazingly enough held the same day I was there, and even more amazing, I was there to begin with because our Hyperbaric Physician could not cover us for treatments that week at work, so work sent me for further education and the opportunity to become certified in this field.  So THAT is how I happened to beinUtah! 

In this picture, Ranes is busy calculating points from the judges, he has been running fast for several hours now! It was awesome to see the even in progress, my first ever.

The reason we look haggard is that we are, we have just been to a parade complete with what had to be the hottest sun of the Utah year (I am burned, was not prepared) and the kids had been chasing candy tossed from the floats.  Carter just ATE the candy, no chasing for him, he looks a bit full too! 

The parade, the candy chasers, Marty and Addison, and the boys are some that I have watched grow up in the same neighborhood as Braydon and Tyson.  I'm not srue they enjoyed the parade as much as the candy chasing!! 

Heather and Kayleigh had the right idea, get comfortable, and all was well until some muskets were blown. Then Kayleigh got smart and prepared before the boom!

Meanwhile, back at the Dutch Oven Event, Ranes is now relaxed and having fun!  The sign says *Stone Mountain Dutch Oven Chapter*.  GREAT WORK!

WHAT A TREAT!

The last night of the UHMS meeting, I was able to move a bit southerly to a Motel closer to Lehi!

Using my own affinity for neck pillows, I had seen some animal character pillows that looked like all of the children needed one, so you see 2 of them here! (Have to teach these babies how to chill ya know)  Braydon and Tyson actually got to have a spend the night party with me at the hotel, we swam, we played, we laughed, and then we passed out into a sweet blissful sleep! The next morning we had fabulous breakfast at the hotel where Braydon made me aware that the Prophet would not approve of my coffee drinking.  I got milk!! 

Kayleigh liked the pool best! 

How is this for a beautiful family!  As usual, Heather is not close by when the camera comes out, she just doesn't know how pretty she is!!!  

This may not be the Conference Center Choir.  That is where I went after the test, they were rehearsing that night, I was just done with the dreaded test, walked over, had a seat with the other admirers (groupies) and all I could do was close my eyes and listen. The stress of the previous few days left me, I was at peace, and simply cried, felt SO good.

I was actually located in the Downtown Marriott which is right besdie Temple Square, so I spent all of my free time on the square, especially after the test (see above)

This is the older Tabernacle, I've never been inside, just admired it outside!

At night, from the huge window in my room, I had a bird's eye view of the steeple on the Temple with Moroni watching me all night!  The night lights were awesome, I tried to watch it all night but would fall asleep anyway.

Thanks Be to Heavenly Father, I managed to get there safely, get through the Scientific Meeting, pass the Hyperbaric Technologists Examination, and still have some time to meet greet and love family and friends!!  Does it get better??

Carter is TWO!

Winnie The Pooh!!!  What an attack on the beautiful cake!

Jen explained the funny part of this picture! Carter got exact same Birthday Cards from his Grandmas, 200 miles apart!  

See picture below, the boy on the box is in this same position!

I bet Carter is looking at the boy on the box! 

 Look at above picture, after Marty and Carter got it put together. TOO cute!!  

Shannon Graduates!!

Shannon Marie Dekle, Thomas County Central Class of 2008

In our typical Dekle fashion, Carolyn and Waymon Dekle hosted a family *Fish Fry* in their huge yard, full of most all southern flora/fauna and just a great place to get together! 

 Cousin Johnny has a BEARD! I think his wife, Linda,  likes it!

Cousin Anna with her daughter Corby and Grandson Banks. 

 This was Banks first Dekle Gathering.

Erin has become professional with her Tiki Bar! 

 She is serving all of the drinks (takes no tips)

Check out her grass skirt!  With her is her Aunt Carolyn Stanaland.

Uncle James, Cousin Anna and Rosemary, wife of cousin Phil. 

This is the family picture of the year. Thelma (mother of Windy and Brenda) and Aunt Lucille, (mother of Phil and Anna).  They share the same birthday although Aunt Lucille is a tad older.

My brother Windy and cousin Phil were born within 30 days of each other, then Cousin Anna and I were born within 30 days of each other!  What a time our parents had with us! 

This is a family connection as well as a Church connection. Carolyn and Paul Stanaland

 (Paul is my Aunt Carolyn's brother) and Carolyn's (Stanaland) sister Neyrone Campbell.

To make this more confusing, Carolyn Dekle (my Aunt) was a Stanaland! 

 Carolyn Stanaland married Paul Stanland, is that clear?

All three go to the same church that we (Mama, me, John and Sky and her Mama Karen, plus many of the Carter Family) attend.

Have you ever seen more beautiful smiles? This is Shannon with her sister Holly (both daughter's of my cousin Keith and his wife Debbie, I recall the day Keith was born, this is his almost grown children!) and Holly's boyfriend who has become a welcome part of our gatherings.

CONGRATULATIONS SHANNON!!!