Ollie Meeks Jr.

Ollie Calvin Meeks Jr. VIRGINIA BEACH - Ollie Calvin Meeks Jr. of Virginia Beach, formerly of Spotsylvania, Va., departed this life Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009, following a short battle with cancer. He was 69. Known as "Junior" or "JR" to most of his family and friends, he will be greatly missed. He was born October 1939 to the late Ollie Calvin Meeks and Martha Daniel Sprouse (Meeks) of Louisa, Va. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Shirley Ann Barlow and his only sister, Shirley Jean Thomas. Junior worked for Safeway stores for 27 years and 15 years with Food Lion before retiring in 2006. After his retirement, he enjoyed visiting family and reconnecting with many old friends. He also enjoyed the companionship of his close friend Donna Manning and accompanied her on several trips across the country. He is survived by three daughters, Kathy Lynn Wertz and her husband Mike of Chesapeake, Beverly Leigh Oden and her husband David, and Tracey Elaine Martin, all of Virginia Beach; five brothers, Henry D. of Spotsylvania, Paul H. of Warrenton, Allen B. of Michigan, Roy F. and Charles P., both of Fredericksburg; his grandchildren, Christopher and Heather Wertz, Courtney, Candice and Ryan Oden, Alexis and Natalee Martin, who truly were the light of his life; as well as many loving sisters-in-law; nephews and nieces. The family would like to thank all of Junior's caregivers, friends, and church for all the excellent care, support and understanding during his illness. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16, at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home. A funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Aug. 17, at the funeral home with burial to follow in Rosewood Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Cancer Society or The American Heart Association. Please visit Junior's memorial at www.mem.com.