Dr. James E. Meeks, Jr., “Buddy” of Florence, Alabama, passed away on October 13, 2025, at the age of 95. He was married for 70 years to his high school sweetheart, Edith Swayze Meeks, who predeceased him in 2023. They are survived by their children, Rebecca Meeks, Judy Meeks Keenum and Andy, Mimi Meeks Flippo and Larry, and Jim and Leslie Simpson Meeks. Their grandchildren are Laura Layton McDonald and Morgan, Swayze and Kaitlin Floyd Layton, Nathan Flippo, and Grace, Caden, and Luke Meeks. Their great-grandchildren are Harper, Lilly, and Mack. Also special to them are nieces and nephews, Ginny Hill Jones and Ronnie, Julian Hill and Marian, cousins Gary Jester and Trish, and brother-in-law, Martin Swayze.
Buddy Meeks was a man loved by everyone who knew him. He was a man after God’s own heart. He loved and served wholeheartedly in every area of his life.
In his youth, among many other honors, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was awarded the Order of the Arrow in the Boy Scouts. He graduated from the University of Tennessee Dental School and Begg Orthodontic Training, and served his patients. By invitation, he taught seminars on orthodontic treatment at Harvard and served his profession. He was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force and served his country. He loved and served his golf buddies. He was an active member of Grace House and served his church family and community. He had a large family but loved and served each one as though he or she was the only one. He loved and served his wife as Christ loved the Church. Most of all, he loved and served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
True legacy consists not of what we leave behind, but of what we instill in others. Buddy Meeks imparted a true legacy of integrity, faithful service, and unconditional love in every life he touched.
A graveside service was held on October 16, 2025, at Greenview Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Jim Meeks, Andy Keenum, Larry Flippo, Swayze Layton, Morgan McDonald, Julian Hill, Ronnie Jones, and Gary Jester. Honorary pallbearers were Myron Berry, Duke Dillon, Randy Hanna, Buddy Moore, Dick Peck, and David Phillips.
The family extends their immense gratitude to the caregivers of Davita Renaissance, Dr. Robert Mann, and the NAMC 5th Floor staff. Memorials may be made to the Gideon Bible Society.
