Robert Calvin Meekins

The Life of Robert Calvin Meekins Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful servants. PSALM 116:15 Robeit Calvin Meekins, who most knew as Calvin, was born on June 6, 1927 in Lanexa, VA located in New Kent County. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. and Carrie L. Meekins. Calvin received Christ at an early age at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Lanexa, where he was a faithful member of the Church School, sang in the choir, and served as a member of the Trustee Board. After moving to Richmond, he joined Rising Mount Zion Baptist Church where he was a faithful member and tireless worker until his illness. Calvin was a member of the Men's Club, Sunday School Ministry, the Male Chorus, the Mass Choir and the Sanctuary Choir. Educated at New Kent Elementary School and G. W. Watkins High School in New Kent, Calvin earned his GED later in life and continued his education at Rappahannock Community College. This set a wonderful example for his children that learning is a life-long endeavor. Calvin was honorably discharged from the United States Army in December 1946 after serving as a Military Policeman in Pensacola, FL at the end of World War II. Calvin was employed by the Department of the Navy (Cheatham Annex) for nearly 30 years where he worked as a truck drivei·until his retirement. He enjoyed dtiving and continued to do so after retiring - whether he was driving a taxi, transpmting crew members of the railroad between railyards or delivering parts for AutoZone. The continuous thread tlnroughout Calvin's life was singing! In addition to the many choirs he served and got his start, he loved gospel quartets. He began singing in gospel quartets with the Melody Four and the Gospel Tones of Williamsburg. The highlight of his singing career was with the world famous Harmonizing Four of Richmond where he was the tenor and lead vocalist for the group until they retired in 1997. Calvin was the last surviving member of the group and he used his voice to bless many along the eastern seaboard from as far north as New York to as far south as Georgia. He would often tell friends, I still sing solos. A familiar refrain of the Harmonizing Four was, the songs may end, but the memories linger on. ...And so shall the memory of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. May you continue to sing many more solos now that you are in God's heavenly choir! Calvin is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Mrs. Maggie T. Meekins; daughter, Barbara D. Piggott (Edward) oL Williamsburg; sons, Jeffrey L. Meekins and Anthony D, Meekins of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren: Chanelle Robinson of Fort Mill, SC, Michael Holmes of New York, NY, and Assata Muhammad of Charlotte, NC; a great granddaughter, Aleyiah Robinson of Fort Mill, SC; a great-great granddaughter, Aubree Rose Sims; two sisters-in-law, Ruth T. Gilliam (Lewis) of Stony Creek and Deacon Earline T. Johnson (Rev. George) of Jarratt. Calvin also leaves behind a whole host of cousins, other relatives, and friends as well as a beloved early childhood schoolmate and lifelong friend, Deacon John Brooks.

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Robert Calvin Meekins

June 6, 1927 - February 15, 2017