John Elton Meeks, a man who lived a life brimming with adventure and entrepreneurial spirit, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024, at the age of 62. Born in Lumberton, North Carolina, to Francis and Alma Meeks, John was part of a large, close-knit family. He cherished his bonds with his two sisters, Karen Brisson and Jan Anderson, and his three brothers, David, Phillip, and Andy Meeks. Family gatherings during holidays and vacations were always filled with laughter, centered around their shared love for food, animals, and playful jokes.
For thirty years, John shared his life with Jennifer McMillan, his wife. Together, they raised two children, Laurel and Gabriel. Even after their amicable separation, family remained central to John’s life. He found love again with Tonya Stanley, who became an integral part of the family over the last five years. John is lovingly remembered by his daughter Laurel, his son-in-law John Mobley, and his grandson Beauregard.
John Elton Meeks embodied a strong work ethic, instilled in him from his early years in North Carolina and Alabama. This dedication and his tenacious attitude fueled a successful entrepreneurial journey throughout his life. He established and managed two commercial floor covering businesses before dedicating twenty years to building AppleBossom Energy, an energy efficiency contracting company. His passion truly ignited in this venture, where he helped people save money while contributing to a greener environment by reducing energy consumption in homes and commercial buildings. Beyond his businesses, John had a knack for property improvement. He skillfully renovated the family beach condo, the family home, his commercial office building, and numerous “flip” properties, always seeing potential where others might not. His ability to fix anything was remarkable, complemented by his practical skills with tools and machinery, and a talent for bartering to bring his visions to life.
John’s hobbies were as vibrant and diverse as his professional life. He found joy in flying his Cessna airplane, the freedom of riding his Harley Davidson on country roads, and the tranquility of sailing boats on open waters. He was a true sportsman at heart. Adding to his adventurous spirit was a deep appreciation for music, particularly island tunes from artists like Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett, which provided the soundtrack to his leisure time.
John Elton Meeks will be remembered for his adventurous spirit, his entrepreneurial drive, and his deep love for family. May he find peace, dancing in heaven with his son Gabriel and his beloved dog Gucci, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, love, and cherished memories.
