POUND, VA – Bill Franklin Meade, 73, entered peacefully into the arms of Heaven Sunday April 20, 2025, from his home, surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Bill was born on September 24, 1951, to Willie Glen (alias Bill W) and Edna Sturgill Meade at Norton, VA. Bill was a born again Christian and member of Hamilton Chapel Church. He dearly loved his brothers and sisters in Christ. He was baptized May 1, 2022, at Hamilton Chapel.

Bill had a great sense of humor and a wonderful gift of remembering. He enjoyed NASCAR and gathering of family and friends. He loved to laugh and make people laugh.  He was a proud retired veteran of the United States Army and the Virginia National Guard. He served his country in Operation Desert

Storm. After his full-time military service, Bill worked as a certified blaster for most of his life, first with Austin Powder and then Dyno Nobel. After his retirement, he enjoyed outings with his friends and working on his farm. He was jack of all trades and could fix or repair almost anything.

Bill was preceded in death by his father Willie G. Meade; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law Burl and Pearl Willis.

Survivors include his loving wife of 25 years Estella Willis Meade of the home; his mother Edna Sturgill Meade-Midland, MI; his sister Jane Meade Dean (Fletcher)- Midland, MI; sons Robert F. Meade (Nicole)-Germany, Andy Meade-Abingdon, VA, Aaron Meade of the home; step-son Jay Vanover-Alexandria, VA; daughters Sarah Meade (Jason Cook)-Abingdon, VA and Lilian Meade of the home : grandchildren Kat Schrum (TJ)-Georgia, Lesly Roope-Abingdon, VA, Paige Meade-Bristol, VA, Lauren Meade-Germany; great-grandchildren Newt Schrum-Georgia

and Echo Solomon-Abingdon, VA; maternal aunts Hazel Pilkenton and Jean Haynes both of Norton, VA; special friends Steve Mullins, Dane Meade, Michael Moore and Greg Cyphers; and a host of beloved kin and friends.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Caris Hospice, Addus Homecare, the Norton Cancer Center, VAMC, and Dr Bryan Watson, and heartfelt gratitude to Dr James Campbell for their warm and compassionate care they gave Bill. Special thanks to his friends for coming to pray with him, Steve Mullins, Johnny and Linda Vanover, Ikey and Wanda Willis, Dane and Linda Meade andCletus Chester and to all who brought food and gave hugs and love.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 pm Thursday April 24, 2025 in the Baker Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Larry Dotson officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until time of services.

Whitesburg VFW Post 5829 will perform military services at the funeral home.

Burial and committal services will follow in the Meade Creek Cemetery-Pound, VA where Taylor Dean, Robert Meade, Steve Mullins, Ikey Willis, Gregory Pilkenton, and Jimmy Willis will serve as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers are Members of Hamilton Chapel, Greg Cyphers, Dane Meade, Johnny Vanover, Starling Fleming and Michael Moore

In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to

consider Hamilton Chapel Church, the Disabled American Veterans or the

hospice of your choice.

Baker Funeral Home-Pound, VA is serving the family of Bill Franklin Meade.