Thomas Bernard Meehan

Thomas (Tom) Meehan, 103, WWII veteran and beloved Dad, Grandad, brother and uncle died peacefully on January 8, 2025, surrounded by his family's love. He is survived by his sister Theresa Meehan Hapeman of Wilkes Barre, PA, son Thomas Boyd Meehan (Judy) of Lawrenceville, daughter Marla Meehan Newman (Richard) of Buford, grandson Matthew Thomas Meehan (Rod) of Coral Gables, FL, grandson Christopher Sean Meehan (Ryan) of Margate, FL, and granddaughter Katherine McAlphin Colley (Ryan) of Buford, as well as his beloved extended family of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Freeda Boyd Meehan, his parents Thomas Aloysius Meehan and Katherine Meir Meehan, and his siblings Gerald Meehan, Bernard Meehan, Joseph Meehan, Lorraine Meehan Moore, Patricia Meehan McGuire, Robert Meehan, and Carmella Marie Meehan.
Tom grew up in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania and graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1939. He was offered an academic scholarship to Notre Dame but his sense of responsibility to his family kept him closer to home. Recruited by General Electric Co in New York, he graduated from their Business School but was soon drafted to the Army.
After honorable discharge from the service, Tom enjoyed a rewarding career as an Auditor/Accounting Executive first in Columbia, SC then in Atlanta, for Gulf Oil Company which was later acquired by Chevron Oil. After retirement, he obtained a real estate license and enjoyed real estate sales as a hobby. He famously designed and meticulously maintained his beautiful yard full of azaleas, dogwoods, hydrangeas, camellias, and gardenias. A long-time fan of the Atlanta Braves, he was honored by the Braves at Truist Park for his 100th birthday, featuring his story of service to his country on the big screen. Hailed as a "Hometown Hero", he received a standing ovation from the fans in the stadium.
Tom bravely served in the Army during World War II. Promoted quickly through the ranks, as Technical Sergeant he was hand-picked to join the Headquarters V-Corps, 1st Army unit. The HQ unit set up camps in captured towns throughout Germany and Czechoslovakia to communicate orders to the front lines. He delighted his family with stories of his early tour of duty in California where he frequently visited the Hollywood Canteen. He danced and mingled with stars of the era, including Betty Grable, Doris Day, and Hedy Lamarr.
He met the love of his life while in service at Columbia, SC and married Freeda Boyd in 1951. Both children were born in Columbia. A company transfer brought them to Atlanta where he purchased his beloved home and they raised his cherished family. He loved traveling to spend time with family in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, and California. Family vacations to nearby southern beaches created wonderful memories.
Tom is remembered for his sharp sense of humor, enduring kindness, inquisitive nature, memory of details, zest for life, and love for family.
A memorial funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2855 Briarcliff Rd, Atlanta, GA. The interment of ashes ceremony for Tom and Freeda with military honors will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025 at Georgia National Cemetery, 2025 Mount Carmel Church Lane, Canton, GA.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made in Thomas Meehan's honor to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.