Douglas Meeks
August 16, 1947 — April 30, 2018
It is with profound regret that we announce the death of Sergeant Major (retired) Douglas Meeks, who passed away in Jacksonville, Florida on April 30, 2018.
Doug attended Lee High School in Jacksonville and enlisted in the U.S. Army, immediately serving two tours in Viet Nam. Upon his return, he attended Jacksonville University and the University of Florida, where he received the Outstanding Male Leadership Award for his graduating class. He completed his civilian education with a master's degree from the University of North Florida.
Doug served commendably as an infantryman during two tours in Viet Nam with the Army's famed Big Red One. He returned to the states and entered the Florida National Guard, where he converted to the Finance Branch and served as leader, advisor, mentor, teacher, and coach to hundreds of Florida's Finance Soldiers over the years. Doug's service with the Florida National Guard included mobilization with the 153rd Finance Section in support of OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/STORM in 1991 and numerous rotations to the middle-east for the annual Bright Star Exercise during the 1980s and 90s. Sergeant Major Meeks retired from the Florida National Guard in 2005 with nearly thirty-five years of military service. He was assigned the distinction of Distinguished Member of the 16th Infantry in 2015 at Fort Riley, Kansas.
The consummate Citizen-Soldier, Doug also served thirty-six years as a public school teacher for Duval County, Florida, retiring in 2008. Doug balanced two successful careers and served as husband and father. Doug was twice selected as his school's Teacher of the Year and served as Director of the Northeast Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair. He continued mentoring young minds through the science fair until last year.
Doug is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sharon, in Jacksonville; a daughter, Megan (Frank Hethington, Atlanta), and son Gavin (Jacksonville); and brothers Daniel Meeks (Stephanie, Plano, TX) and Mark Meeks (Jacksonville).
Burial with full military honors will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 7, at Jacksonville National Cemetery (Lane 1), 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Doug's favorite cause, Homes For Our Troops, at www.hfotusa.org < http://www.hfotusa.org/ >.
Arrangements under the care of Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1203 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32207.(904)396-1611
Doug attended Lee High School in Jacksonville and enlisted in the U.S. Army, immediately serving two tours in Viet Nam. Upon his return, he attended Jacksonville University and the University of Florida, where he received the Outstanding Male Leadership Award for his graduating class. He completed his civilian education with a master's degree from the University of North Florida.
Doug served commendably as an infantryman during two tours in Viet Nam with the Army's famed Big Red One. He returned to the states and entered the Florida National Guard, where he converted to the Finance Branch and served as leader, advisor, mentor, teacher, and coach to hundreds of Florida's Finance Soldiers over the years. Doug's service with the Florida National Guard included mobilization with the 153rd Finance Section in support of OPERATION DESERT SHIELD/STORM in 1991 and numerous rotations to the middle-east for the annual Bright Star Exercise during the 1980s and 90s. Sergeant Major Meeks retired from the Florida National Guard in 2005 with nearly thirty-five years of military service. He was assigned the distinction of Distinguished Member of the 16th Infantry in 2015 at Fort Riley, Kansas.
The consummate Citizen-Soldier, Doug also served thirty-six years as a public school teacher for Duval County, Florida, retiring in 2008. Doug balanced two successful careers and served as husband and father. Doug was twice selected as his school's Teacher of the Year and served as Director of the Northeast Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair. He continued mentoring young minds through the science fair until last year.
Doug is survived by his wife of 47 years, Sharon, in Jacksonville; a daughter, Megan (Frank Hethington, Atlanta), and son Gavin (Jacksonville); and brothers Daniel Meeks (Stephanie, Plano, TX) and Mark Meeks (Jacksonville).
Burial with full military honors will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, May 7, at Jacksonville National Cemetery (Lane 1), 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Doug's favorite cause, Homes For Our Troops, at www.hfotusa.org < http://www.hfotusa.org/ >.
Arrangements under the care of Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1203 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32207.(904)396-1611
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