Robert "Bob" D.C. Meeker Jr.

Robert "Bob" Dewitt Clinton Meeker Jr., 81, of Tar Heel left his earthly home and stepped into his heavenly home on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years Bonnie B. Meeker, two sisters, Pamela M. Thye (Renka), and Caroline N. Sidnam and one brother James B. Meeker (Cindy). Bob was born in New York City on May 27, 1942, preceded in death by his father Robert Dewitt Clinton Meeker Sr. and his mother Shirley Steinman Meeker (Katzenbach).

Bob spent his entire career in the field of service. He served in the United States Marine Corps before starting his law enforcement career with the Greenville Police Department as a communications operator. In 1969 Bob became a North Carolina Highway Patrol, where he served for 10 years. In September of 1979, Lieutenant Meeker found his home with the Bladen County Sheriff's Office starting as a Deputy before moving to a reserve position. He gave 28 years of service to the citizens of Bladen County before retiring in 2007 at the rank of Lieutenant. He loved being in law enforcement and served 45 years saying, "If possible I would have loved to have served another 45 years."

In 1992, Bob and his sisters established The MAYDAY Fund in honor of their mother. Bob served on the Board of Trustees and later transitioned to Emeritus. The MAYDAY Fund has supported innovative projects to close the gap between knowledge and practice in treating pain.

Bob was passionate about the North Carolina Zoological Park and its advancement of the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro. His interest was in the NC Zoo's Art Collection and connecting people with wildlife. He was instrumental in designing and placing the zoo's art collection. His contributions can be found throughout the Zoo. His dedication to wildlife conservation left a legacy enhancing the Zoo and its ability to educate, inform and encourage its visitors.

In 2009 Bob was awarded "The Old North State Award" by Governor Beverly Perdue for dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the state of North Carolina. He believed that every day of your life, even the most challenging days, you should stand up when others stay seated, speak up when others remain silent, and prove to others that it is possible to make a difference.

Bob was an exceptional man and loved by many. To know him was to love him. He was always there to lend an ear, a hand, or help you achieve your goals. Some remarked, "Bob was a huge part of who I am today" and "He did things to help Bladen County Law Enforcement, EMS, Rescue and Fire Departments." Being a very humble and kind man of his word, Bob was always smiling and helping people.

Bob and Bonnie spent 43 glorious years together. The special bond they shared was one you can only dream of. You could often hear them say as they parted "little bit" because they were never separated long before being reunited together again.

BOB LIVED TO SERVE. His achievements have left an indelible mark on us and the world. Bob will be greatly missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to either White Oak Baptist Church, White Oak Family Worship Center, or your favorite charity.

Addresses for donations:

White Oak Baptist Church, Post Office Box 296 White Oak, NC 28399

White Oak Family Worship Center, 1932 Burney Road White Oak, NC 28399

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, from 1-1:45 pm at White Oak Baptist Church, Recreation and Christian Study Center in White Oak, NC followed by a funeral service at 2 pm with Reverend Warren Hill officiating. Burial will follow the services in the White Oak Family Worship Center Cemetery in White Oak, NC.