William (Bill) Norwood Meares, Sr.

William Norwood Meares, Sr.

March 26, 1933 – May 28, 2025

William (Bill) Norwood Meares, Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather and friend, was born in Wilmington, NC on March 26, 1933, to Lionel Devaun and Waivie Lee Meares.

Bill proudly served his country for 20 years in the United States Army, including two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal and Bronze Star Medal. Following his retirement from the Army, Bill worked as a financial advisor for Ft. Jackson, where he worked for more than 20 years before retiring from civil service.

Bill enjoyed golfing and woodworking. He loved spending time with his family and was kind to everyone he met. He will be deeply missed and forever have a lasting impact on our lives.

Bill is survived by his children: Evelyn L. Johnson (Gary) of Lexington, SC, Janet L. Meares of West Columbia. SC, Karen D. Jones (Jimmy) of West Columbia, SC, William N. Meares, Jr. (Donna) of Blythewood, SC, Beth M. Smith of Gainesville, GA.; grandchildren, Donny (Amanda), Christie, William Meares, III, Jessica, Chris (Stacy), Tyler, Cherie (Jonathan), Stephen, and Aaron; great-grandchildren, Liam, Brennon, Kade, Savanna (Dylan), Ayden, Hannah, Aubrey, Vincent, Nathaniel, Kimberly, Isaiah, Noah (Gary), Brianna and Andrew; great-great grandchild, Rebel; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Bill is predeceased by his wife Lona Geneva; brothers, Houston, Douglas, Eldridge; and sisters, Aileen Josey and Ann Bello.

Visitation will be  held on Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Barr-Price Funeral Home in Lexington, SC, from 1:00 pm to 2:00pm, with a Graveside  Memorial Service following at Green Lawn Memorial Park at 3:00 pm. Rev. Gary Johnson and Rev. Jimmy Jones will officiate the service. Serving as pallbearers are William Meares, III, Aiden Johnson, Isaiah McElveen, Gary Bayne, Kent White and Colton Hendrix.

 Online register at barr-price.com

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