Gerald “Jaskie” David Meador, 90, passed away on Friday, May 4, 2012, in Suffolk, Va. He was born on Nov. 3, 1921 in Victoria, Va., the son of the late Camena Rene Updike and Robert Harris Meador. He was the widower of Margaret Gills Meador, who died in December of 2007 after 57 years of marriage. Gerry was predeceased by his brother, Robert Harris Meador Jr.; and his niece, Diane.

Gerry graduated from the class of 1945 from Victoria High School, where he played football and baseball. He also umpired and refereed these sports for various area teams. He served honorably in the U.S. Army. He also served as a volunteer with the Victoria Fire Department before moving to Suffolk. Gerry attended the Apprentice School at Newport News Shipyard where he learned his trade as a welder. He later worked for the Virginian Railroad in Victoria/Kenbridge. He and Margaret moved to Suffolk, where he was hired by Lipton Tea Co. (now Unilever) in 1951, where he was known as “Casey,” before the plant officially opened and he remained there until his retirement after 26 years of service as plant mechanic in 1977. He was a member of the Ambassador’s Club at Lipton. He also enjoyed many years of welding and fiber-glassing of boats, and making Surry horse racing carts and go-carts for his friends and neighbors in the Suffolk area.

Gerry and Margaret enjoyed many bus trips around the country and went to Myrtle Beach. They also attended many of the NASCAR races over the years together. Gerry’s favorite race car driver was Jeff Gordon, and he continued to watch races on TV, saying, “Number 24 was not only my favorite, but the best driver of all times, in my book.” In their later years, they enjoyed watching parades and eating at Bill’s Seafood together. Gerry also enjoyed driving out to the Suffolk Airport to watch parachute jumpers as they practiced for their upcoming events. He was a friend to many and was always willing to lend a hand to help anyone who needed “a little help” with a welding, mechanical or plumbing job.

Gerry began attending Hillcrest Baptist Church soon after moving to Suffolk. He always enjoyed the fellowship at the meetings with the Baptist Men while helping with setting up the fellowship hall for the monthly Mission Night Suppers. Gerry was an active member of the Lee Jackson Sunday School Class and attended regularly until January 2011 when his health problems prohibited him from attending. He was also a former member of the Bethlehem Ruritan Club, where he was very active for many years. Survivors include a son, Robert Ashby Meador Sr. and wife, Tammy L. Meador; grandsons, Robert Ashby Meador Jr., Robert Aaron Meador, and Ryan Shea Meador, of Franklin, Va.; niece, Colleen and husband, Gary, of Osh Kosh, Wis.; and two great-nieces, of Ohio. His memory will live on with his long-time friends and co-workers. A special thanks to his Sunday School class members who visited or called over the past several years.

Visitation will be at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory, 3515 Robs Drive, Suffolk, Va., on Tuesday, from 7 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 9, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Baptist Church with the Rev. Jim George officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the parking lot fund of Hillcrest Baptist Church, 1637 Holland Road, Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.