MEIKLE, Phillip Terry (“Meeks”), 76, beloved husband, father, grandfather and dear friend, of New Cumberland, WV, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side, on Saturday, October 12, 2013, after fighting a courageous battle with COPD.
Terry was born October 9, 1937, in Moundsville, WV, to Vesta (Crow) and Thomas Ralph Meikle.
As the youngest of two, he grew up with his brother Thomas (“Tom”) Meikle and several cousins, including Fred Crow. At age 1, his family moved to Weirton, WV, and lived on Byron Street and Wyles Terrace.
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As a child he enjoyed all sports, especially softball. Terry began working at a young age, at Williams Barber Shop in 1949 and then Soles Drugstore in 1950, both on Main Street in Weirton, WV.
During high school, Terry was a member of the Spanish Club, Chorus Club and intramural basketball team. Terry graduated from Weir High School in 1955.
After graduation, he started apprenticing with Davis Electric in Weirton, WV, which established him as a well respected electrician throughout his life. During his free time, he played in an adult softball leagues and was the Softball “Home Run Leader” in 1957.
He was introduced to Elizabeth “Betts” Cunningham on a blind date in 1955. They dated for three years and then were married at the New Cumberland Catholic Church, on May 3, 1958.
After living briefly in Weirton, Terry and Betts moved to New Cumberland, WV, and lived for several years in town and then built their current residence in Park Meadows in 1964.
As a devoted husband, father, and neighbor he was active in the community and in the neighborhood. He and his wife, Betts, were determined that all five of their children would graduate from college and were pleased to see this come to fruition.
Terry Meikle started working at Prudential Insurance Company as an agent in 1962. He spent eight years there and was awarded as a top producer.
In 1970, Terry began his career at Weirton Steel. Initially working in the Blooming Mill, he moved throughout the steel mill in various positions. He most enjoyed his tenure teaching carpentry work at the Half Moon area of Weirton Steel in the late 80’s and early 90’s.
After 23 years, Terry retired from Weirton Steel in 1993. However, he continued to pursue electrical and carpentry work throughout Hancock, Brooke and Jefferson counties for the next 17 years as an independent contractor.
Terry was a member of the Immaculate Conception Church in New Cumberland, WV, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was also a member of New Cumberland Lion’s Club in the 1960’s.
Additionally Terry was active in the sports booster programs at Oak Glen High School and served as the football booster president for 3 years. An avid golfer, Terry, belonged to the Waterford Park Bath & Tennis Club (Mountaineer Park) and continued golfing throughout his lifetime. Terry was also an enthusiastic card player and fisherman.
He took several fishing trips to Canada and the Great Lakes and enjoyed fishing on Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma.
Highlights in more recent years were trips with his wife Betts to Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut. He was an avid WVU Mountaineer Football and Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Terry made friends wherever he went. He was an extremely easy-going man with a wonderful sense of humor who thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and socializing. He had an extremely charitable character and helped strangers, neighbors and family alike throughout his lifetime in any capacity that he could.
He loved hosting a Christmas Eve party for family and friends every year. Terry believed his most significant accomplishment in life was his children and traveled thousands of miles over the years to visit with them. He particularly enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Pap.”
Although Terry was home-bound for the last 17 months of his life, he continued to entertain his wife and their beloved dog, Little Meeks (Max), as well as countless family and friends who visited him.
He continued working crossword puzzles daily and welcomed visits from his nurse, Connie and healthcare specialist, Lora. He felt fortunate to be cared for by the Valley Hospice staff and he appreciated the support that his family, friends, and Park Meadows neighbors offered throughout his lifetime and especially most recently, due to his illness.
Terry is survived by his beloved-wife Elizabeth “Betts” (Cunningham) Meikle of 55 years; and five children, Cassie Battle of Alexandria, VA, Adrienne Mains (Justin) of Crescent, OK, Stephanie Naymick (Dr. Andy Naymick) of Hanover, PA, Phillip Meikle (Dr. Suzanne Nash) of Weston, MA, and Mary Beth Fitzgerald (Kevin) of Owings, MD.
He is survived by 10 grandchildren, Craig Battle (Shayla), Andrew Naymick, Makailyn Harper, Adam Naymick, Makensie Harper, Olivia Meikle, Will Meikle, Declan Fitzgerald, Mairead Fitzgerald and Lochlan Fitzgerald.
He is also survived by his brother, Thomas Meikle and sister-in-law Ruth Nell Meikle of Morgantown, WV.
Additionally, he is survived by his cousins Fred and Jeannie Crow of Westfield, MA, and Andy Jo Farley of Moundsville, WV; special family member, David Harper of McCloud, OK; and several in-laws, including Mary Margaret and Ronnie Weekley of New Cumberland, WV, Sara and Ronnie Bondo of New Cumberland, and Rose Cunningham of Weirton, WV; as well as many nieces and nephews throughout the country.
He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas Ralph Meikle and Vesta (Crow) Meikle.
For all acquainted with Terry, we hope you will remember him by showing kindness to a stranger or by making someone laugh, as he did throughout his life.
A viewing will be held at Arner Funeral Chapel, 607 Carolina Ave., Chester, WV, on Monday, October 14 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
A Memorial Celebration will be held at Arner Funeral Chapel, on Tuesday, October 15 at 10 a.m.