Funeral Information
Location:
Dade Street Church of God of Prophecy
Date: 09-11-2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Time: 11:00 AM
Visitation Information
Location:
Dade Street Church of God of Prophecy
Date:
Time:
Time:
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Obituary
William McKinley Meeks, Jr., affectionately known as “Kenny,” began his earthly journey on April 6, 1965, in Tallahassee, Florida. He was born to the late William McKinley Meeks, Sr. and Gennieve Perry Meeks and was reared in a loving Christian home where the importance of faith, family, and togetherness was instilled in him at an early age.
Kenny grew up alongside his siblings, Sharon, Arndreal, and Lemuel. Following the passing of their father and his mother’s later remarriage, the family was blessed to grow once more when Kenny became the proud big brother of Gayle Arnold. Through the years, the Meeks family shared countless moments of laughter, love, and fellowship, creating memories that would become even more precious with the passing of time.
An Athlete. A Sailor. A Servant.
Kenny was educated at North Florida Christian School, where he distinguished himself as a gifted student-athlete. As a member of the Eagles football team, his natural athleticism and talent were evident both on the football field and in other sports. His abilities earned him an opportunity to pursue football at the collegiate level.
Yet, when presented with the opportunity to continue his athletic career, Kenny chose another calling—service to his country.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, exchanging the football field for a uniform of service and honor. Kenny faithfully served the United States of America for several years before receiving an Honorable Discharge. His military service became an enduring part of his story and reflected qualities that remained evident throughout his life: discipline, strength, responsibility, and commitment.
His service to others did not end when his military duty was complete.
Kenny later embarked upon a career with Leon County, serving as a Supervisor within the Work Release Program. In this role, he did more than oversee men assigned to his supervision. He sought to provide direction, structure, accountability, and encouragement as they worked toward returning to their families and communities prepared to live productive lives.
Kenny understood the importance of finding a better “way,” and the foundation of his own way was his decision to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith remained important to him, and in later years he especially enjoyed watching church services online and remaining connected to the Word of God.
The Man We Knew as “Kenny”
Beyond his accomplishments and service, Kenny will be remembered most for the man he was to those who loved him.
He was a devoted father, proud grandfather, loving brother, cherished relative, and faithful friend. Family mattered deeply to Kenny, and spending time with those he loved brought him tremendous joy.
He enjoyed traveling, fishing, repairing cars, and attending car shows. His appreciation for automobiles reflected a natural curiosity and enjoyment of working with his hands. And when football season arrived, there was little question where his loyalty rested—Kenny was an enthusiastic Florida Gators fan, often enjoying the games alongside his sister, Gayle.
Whether surrounded by family, working on a car, casting a fishing line, watching the Gators, or simply enjoying good conversation, Kenny appreciated the moments that made life meaningful.
His Legacy Continues
Kenny leaves a loving family to cherish his life and carry forward his memory, including his five children, Courtney (Phillip) Combs, Justin (Stacy) Meeks, Heaven Meeks, Hunter Meeks, and Hayden Meeks; and three beloved grandchildren, Justin Meeks, Jr., Jordan Meeks, and Jaelyn Meeks.
He also leaves his brother, Lemuel L. (Tiawana) Meeks, Sr.; three sisters, Sharon (Hubert) Knight, Arndreal (Bishop Frederick) Jackson, and Gayle Arnold; four aunts, Celestine Thomas, Grace (Jimmy) Fritz, Ann (Michael) James, and Gwen (Theodore) Stephens; nephews, Andrew Swilley, Lemuel (Amber) Meeks, Jr., and Aaron (Alexis) White; nieces, Lucretia (Dave) Johnson, Bethany Jackson, Lydia Jackson, Jada Jackson, Shatavia Meeks, and Zykira Knight; cousins, Warren (Cassandra) Thomas, Derrick (Lourdes) Thomas, Edwin (Jeanine) Thomas, and Alvin (Vivian) Wright; along with a host of extended family members, friends, former coworkers, fellow veterans, and others whose lives were touched by his presence.
Kenny was preceded in death by his loving parents, William McKinley Meeks, Sr. and Gennieve Perry Meeks; his nephew, Jeffrey Swilley; cousin, Jerome Wright; uncle, Albert Thomas; his bonus fathers; grandparents; and other beloved aunts, uncles, relatives, and dear friends who completed their earthly journeys before him.
Today, we remember more than the dates that marked Kenny’s beginning and ending. We remember the life lived between them.
We remember the athlete who possessed the talent to pursue the game, yet chose to answer a greater call to serve his country.
We remember the sailor who wore the uniform with honor.
We remember the supervisor who sought to help others find a better way.
We remember the father and grandfather who loved his family.
We remember the brother, relative, friend, and man of faith whose presence became part of our own stories.
His earthly watch is complete, but the impact of his life remains.
The Sailor has stood his final watch.
The servant has completed his duty.
The journey has reached its harbor.
And the memories of “Kenny” will remain forever anchored in the hearts of those who loved him.
Fair winds and following seas, Kenny.
Your watch is complete. Rest well.
Kenny grew up alongside his siblings, Sharon, Arndreal, and Lemuel. Following the passing of their father and his mother’s later remarriage, the family was blessed to grow once more when Kenny became the proud big brother of Gayle Arnold. Through the years, the Meeks family shared countless moments of laughter, love, and fellowship, creating memories that would become even more precious with the passing of time.
An Athlete. A Sailor. A Servant.
Kenny was educated at North Florida Christian School, where he distinguished himself as a gifted student-athlete. As a member of the Eagles football team, his natural athleticism and talent were evident both on the football field and in other sports. His abilities earned him an opportunity to pursue football at the collegiate level.
Yet, when presented with the opportunity to continue his athletic career, Kenny chose another calling—service to his country.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, exchanging the football field for a uniform of service and honor. Kenny faithfully served the United States of America for several years before receiving an Honorable Discharge. His military service became an enduring part of his story and reflected qualities that remained evident throughout his life: discipline, strength, responsibility, and commitment.
His service to others did not end when his military duty was complete.
Kenny later embarked upon a career with Leon County, serving as a Supervisor within the Work Release Program. In this role, he did more than oversee men assigned to his supervision. He sought to provide direction, structure, accountability, and encouragement as they worked toward returning to their families and communities prepared to live productive lives.
Kenny understood the importance of finding a better “way,” and the foundation of his own way was his decision to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His faith remained important to him, and in later years he especially enjoyed watching church services online and remaining connected to the Word of God.
The Man We Knew as “Kenny”
Beyond his accomplishments and service, Kenny will be remembered most for the man he was to those who loved him.
He was a devoted father, proud grandfather, loving brother, cherished relative, and faithful friend. Family mattered deeply to Kenny, and spending time with those he loved brought him tremendous joy.
He enjoyed traveling, fishing, repairing cars, and attending car shows. His appreciation for automobiles reflected a natural curiosity and enjoyment of working with his hands. And when football season arrived, there was little question where his loyalty rested—Kenny was an enthusiastic Florida Gators fan, often enjoying the games alongside his sister, Gayle.
Whether surrounded by family, working on a car, casting a fishing line, watching the Gators, or simply enjoying good conversation, Kenny appreciated the moments that made life meaningful.
His Legacy Continues
Kenny leaves a loving family to cherish his life and carry forward his memory, including his five children, Courtney (Phillip) Combs, Justin (Stacy) Meeks, Heaven Meeks, Hunter Meeks, and Hayden Meeks; and three beloved grandchildren, Justin Meeks, Jr., Jordan Meeks, and Jaelyn Meeks.
He also leaves his brother, Lemuel L. (Tiawana) Meeks, Sr.; three sisters, Sharon (Hubert) Knight, Arndreal (Bishop Frederick) Jackson, and Gayle Arnold; four aunts, Celestine Thomas, Grace (Jimmy) Fritz, Ann (Michael) James, and Gwen (Theodore) Stephens; nephews, Andrew Swilley, Lemuel (Amber) Meeks, Jr., and Aaron (Alexis) White; nieces, Lucretia (Dave) Johnson, Bethany Jackson, Lydia Jackson, Jada Jackson, Shatavia Meeks, and Zykira Knight; cousins, Warren (Cassandra) Thomas, Derrick (Lourdes) Thomas, Edwin (Jeanine) Thomas, and Alvin (Vivian) Wright; along with a host of extended family members, friends, former coworkers, fellow veterans, and others whose lives were touched by his presence.
Kenny was preceded in death by his loving parents, William McKinley Meeks, Sr. and Gennieve Perry Meeks; his nephew, Jeffrey Swilley; cousin, Jerome Wright; uncle, Albert Thomas; his bonus fathers; grandparents; and other beloved aunts, uncles, relatives, and dear friends who completed their earthly journeys before him.
Today, we remember more than the dates that marked Kenny’s beginning and ending. We remember the life lived between them.
We remember the athlete who possessed the talent to pursue the game, yet chose to answer a greater call to serve his country.
We remember the sailor who wore the uniform with honor.
We remember the supervisor who sought to help others find a better way.
We remember the father and grandfather who loved his family.
We remember the brother, relative, friend, and man of faith whose presence became part of our own stories.
His earthly watch is complete, but the impact of his life remains.
The Sailor has stood his final watch.
The servant has completed his duty.
The journey has reached its harbor.
And the memories of “Kenny” will remain forever anchored in the hearts of those who loved him.
Fair winds and following seas, Kenny.
Your watch is complete. Rest well.