Gary Lee Meade, age 70, of West Portsmouth, passed away peacefully at his home on July 21, 2025. He was born on June 9, 1955, to the late David Lee and Phyllis Adams Meade, and was a proud lifelong resident of Scioto County.
He is survived by his brother, Danny Lee Meade; his nephew, Tyler Meade; his niece; Kaeleigh Meade and his aunt and uncle, Michael and Sandra Welton. Gary is also deeply mourned by his devoted work family: Emily Kingrey, R. Scott Davis, Leichia Davis, Denver (JT Keyes) Davis, Michael (Natalie) Davis, Nickolas Davis, Julia Wiget, Mark Peed, and all the other funeral directors he served alongside with unmatched loyalty and heart.
Gary began his career in the funeral industry in 1978 with the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home, where he quickly became more than an employee—he became family. In 1983, he embraced the role of a self-titled Thanatological Transportation Specialist, a position he carried out with pride and reverence. Before suffering a serious health setback, Gary had personally served 6,999 individuals with dignity and care. Upon his recovery, he proudly returned to assist with his 7,000th, a testament to his deep sense of purpose and commitment.
Before entering the funeral profession full-time, Gary spent time substitute teaching at Portsmouth West High School and as a delivery driver for Hills Florist. A man with many talents and passions, he was the founder of The Thunder Returns, a beloved community tradition that lasted many years until his health declined. He also served as Vice President of the West Portsmouth Athletic Boosters, and he treasured weekends at Atomic Speedway, watching the races with Ross and the crew.
Gary had a larger-than-life personality and interests to match. He enjoyed collecting vintage movie posters, watching the Cleveland Browns—always convinced that this would be “their year”—and engaging in a healthy political spat on Facebook. He appreciated a good cheeseburger, but only if it came with diced onions, and he was always up for a car ride, a Cedar Point trip with Alex and JT, or an afternoon cheering on Emily’s kids at their ballgames. He could often be found pestering Julia and Mark at the funeral home, a place that was as much his second home as it was his workplace.
Known for his quick wit, fierce loyalty, and unwavering dedication, Gary was a constant presence, a steady hand, and a treasured friend. His legacy is not only in the thousands he served, but in the lives he touched, the laughter he shared, and the love he gave.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services will be at 7PM Monday, July 28, 2025, at the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with Pastor Pete Shaffer officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday starting at 5PM with a private burial to follow at the family’s convenience. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com
