Gary Willard Meeks

Retired Colonel Gary Willard Meeks passed away on April 12, 2018, at Siloam Springs Nursing and Rehabilitation, after a long and lengthy illness. Gary was born on April 7, 1945 in Camden, Arkansas, to Dorman and Beulah Tuberville Meeks. He was a graduate of Camden High School and Ouachita Baptist University. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorman and Beulah Meeks; his brother Wayne Meeks; one niece, Tammi Tutt Ray; and stepson Brad Norris. He is survived by his loving wife Alice of Siloam Springs; his precious daughter Kristen Meeks Carter (Brad) of Franklin, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Carson Carter and Lauren Carter of Franklin, Tenn.; one stepdaughter Rochelle Combest (Scott) of Dallas, Texas; three step-grandchildren Clare Combest of Cincinnati, Ohio, Reid Combest and Wyatt Norris of Springdale, Ark..; one sister, Wanda Steed (Gene) of Camden, Ark.; one niece, Gigi Bird (David) of Hot Springs, AR.; one nephew, Matthew Meeks (Lauren) of Fayetteville, Ark.; one aunt, Amanda Meeks Gray (Don) of Benton, Ark.; two sisters-in-law, Margi Meeks of Fort Smith, Ark., and Rita Foster of Siloam Springs, Ark.; and many other relatives and special friends. Gary was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Maumelle, Ark. He loved to sing, especially old hymns, gospel songs, and 50's and 60's music. Now he is singing in the Heavenly choir. Gary was a devoted solider, serving 30 years in the military for his country. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. Gary was a graduate of the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pa., Command and General Staff College, Army Jungle School, Armor School, and Field Artillery Advance courses. He received the following awards during his service: National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal, Army Commendation medal, Humanitarian Service medal, Army Service medal, Armed Forces Service reserve medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal, Kuwait Liberation medal, Southwest Asia medal, Bronze Star medal, and Combat Infantryman medal. Gary was an avid golfer. After retiring, he spent much of his leisure time playing golf, the game he loved, and loving on his grandchildren. His kindness and sweet smile will be missed by all who knew and loved him. There will be a celebration of Gary's life with full military honors held at Wasson Funeral Home in Siloam Springs, Ark., on April 21, 2018, beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of North Arkansas, 3277 West Sunset, Suite D, Springdale, Ark., 72762. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.wassonfuneralhome.com.