Whelchel Meaders

Whelchel Lewis Meaders, 94, went to his Heavenly home on the evening of Saturday, December 6, 2025. He was surrounded by family in his final days, a testament to the immense love for a man that was known by many in such countless ways.

Born August 17, 1931, to L.Q. and Hattie Mae Meaders, he was the only boy in a family of 6. He grew up within a few miles of where he lived all his life on Mossy Creek. Despite hard times, his childhood was one of fun moments, exciting stories and adventures featuring many a beloved dog.

In life, Whelchel held many a role. He was someone to everyone who loved him, and never one to let an opportunity pass by.

He was a veteran. His military career began in the United States Navy in 1951, and for the next four years, he saw the world via ship. In 1971, he joined the Army National Guard where he served for six years before transitioning to the Georgia Air National Guard where he served for nine years. Finally in 1986, he joined the United States Air Force Reserve where he served for five years, retiring in 1991 after 24 years of dedicated service to his country. Throughout his time, Whelchel received several honors for his work and gained many friends whom he kept in touch with throughout his life.

He was a hard worker. Following his time in the military, he built a multi-decade career with the Georgia Department of Transportation, working to craft some of the main thoroughfares that are considered some of Georgia’s most heavily used roads. He was also part of the crew responsible for installing the iconic brick crosswalks and intersections in Athens, Georgia.

He was a potter. Clay was in his blood from birth. Whelchel routinely told stories of riding across the mountains with his father to sell what was functional kitchenware at the time. After his military career, he got serious about it — turning countless facejugs, pitchers, candlestick holders, and various other pieces into what he would never admit was art. He spent most of the time at pottery shows talking to other potters, many of whom were also relatives, and giving away his pieces to those who had an interest and stayed around to talk. His pottery has been shown in various museums including the Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia and the Smithsonian.

He was a Mason. Whelchel was honored just this year by Yonah Lodge with the 50-Year Plus Service Award for his dedicated contributions and unwavering support of Masonic values for over half a century. Walking around his home, one could see how much this meant to him through the various pieces of Masonic iconography and memorabilia that he was proud to display. Even more important to him were his Masonic brothers who regularly visited to just sit down and talk.

He was a thoughtful man. He was always involved in his community and would never hesitate to help a neighbor in need if he was able. He loved animals and would regularly show up with a rescued dog that became his new best friend. He was educated, even earning a degree from Truett-McConnell College. He wrote poetry to keep his mind alive. He kept old photos of his youth to remind him of how things were. And he never stopped learning and tinkering. His life had an impact on countless families in our area and throughout the country.

To his family, Whelchel was more than an amazing husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and to most in his later years, just Papa. He raised generations of his family in their humble home, in the pottery shop, walking in the woods, and always in the car, listening to an old country tape.

There are no words to describe just how much he will be missed by those that he leaves behind, including his sister, Patricia Ferguson; his wife of 68 years, Eunice Meaders; his daughters, Melanie Williams and Karan Sosebee; his grandchildren, Carly Adam, Michael Willams, and Cole Sosebee; his great-grandchildren, Colton and Cooper Adam, Charlotte Adam, Layton Whelchel Sosebee, and Natalie Grace Williams; and his dog, Lily.

Waiting for him on the other side are his parents, L.Q. and Hattie Mae Meaders; his sisters, Inah Q. Pardue, Mary Long, Reba Palmer and Algene Pardue.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Mossy Creek United Methodist Church. The Rev. Paul Flynn and the Rev. J. Grantham will officiate. Interment will follow in Mossy Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Flowers will be acknowledged, however, it is requested that donations be made to Smithgall Woods Animal Shelter - 4823 Helen Highway, Sautee, GA 30571.

To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com

Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland | (706) 865-3101