CHARLES MEAD Obituary - Death Notice and Service Information

LOCATION

Studley, Virginia

MEAD, Charles "Sonny," 81, of Mechanicsville, passed away with ALS on September 25, 2011. Sonny was an accomplished musician. Having won many state fiddler contests made him well known throughout Virginia and surrounding areas. he performed and recorded with several bands, a genre of bluegrass, folk, country, gospel and pop. A pivotal point of his career was performing at the Grand Ole Opry with the Heights of Grass. Given this opportunity enabled him to express himself through the music he loved, on a stage wrought with history of country music legends. He taught violin for years and established lasting friendships with his students. He had many friends because of his sweet and gentle spirit. Among those most faithful and supportive were Paul Sandman and Ray Lumpkin. He is survived by his former wife, caregiver and best friend, Pat Mead; daughter, Debbie Mead; and son, Tim Mead. The family will receive friends on Friday, September 30, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with a memorial service conducted at

7 p.m., at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad Street. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sonny's name to Grace Gospel Chapel, 1201 Spirea Road, Richmond, Va. 23236.

This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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Sonny was a dear friend of mine and a great fiddle player, whom I had the privilage to play music with many times through the years. He performed with our band, The Flatland Bluegrass Band a couple of times when we first started in 1991. I never knew a more devoted and accomplished musician. He taught all of us who knew him things about music and life every time we were together. I don't think there was a song he didn't know. Sonny and his fiddle will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and...

Randy Grigg

October 03, 2011 | Carrollton, VA

Have Precious Memories of Sonny. He was a good friend and will be greatly missed in Mechanicsville.

Carol Edwards

October 03, 2011 | Chesterfield, VA

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Mead Family. Sonny was a gentle soul, and will be deeply missed.

Louis Power

October 03, 2011 | Glen Allen, VA

Dear Mead Family,
Love and prayers come your way today. Was very sad to hear of Sonny's passing. He was a great fiddle player and a wonderful person. Over my life time I have heard him many times at contests. He played so smooth and with much feeling. May our Lord give you the peace and comfort that you need in the coming days and weeks. God Bless you all. Sonny will be greatly miss by all who knew him.

Irene Z. Shields

October 02, 2011 | Jarratt, VA

So sorry that Sonny passed away, but glad he went to that big bluegrass festival in the sky. We sure had a lot of fun picking and recording with George Winn those many years ago. I still got that old black Holf fiddle I bought from you and those fiddle leasons you gave me. Peace to family. Sonny had his three score and ten and then some!

Dan proctor

October 01, 2011 | Richmond, VA

We will miss you Sonny. We had great times together. I will cherish them forever. See ya in Heaven. (I'll be wearing tennis shoes instead of my boots). Love ya Pat, Debbie and Tim.

Richard Ward and Family

Richard Ward

September 30, 2011 | Richmond, VA

We enjoyed some fine gigs and fun jam sessions with Sonny. The Heavenly Band just got better. We'll see you there, Sonny.

Love,
William & Denise Perritt

William Perritt

September 30, 2011 | Lost River, WV

Pat: so sorry to hear about Sonny. He
was the best musician and person. Hes
playing his music for the angels now.
May God be with you in your sorrow. If
I can do anything , please e-mail me.
Irene Lancaster Parks, Richmond, VA

September 29, 2011

Thank you, Sonny, for sharing your wonderful God-given gift with us. My prayers are with your family.
Marsha LaBonte, A Virginian living in Delaware

September 29, 2011

CHARLES MEAD

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