Henry Holmes Meares

henry meares
Henry Holmes Meares, Jr. 79, of Mills River, died on April 20, 2015. Born on January 13, 1936 in Columbia, SC, he was the son of Henry Holmes Meares and Laura Burkes Meares. Henry graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School and attended Clemson University and The University of NC. He completed the required training and became a Senior Director of the YMCA. After spending a number of years teaching law enforcement officers through the UNC Institute of Government, Henry began a long career working as the executive director of summer youth camps and year round conference centers for the YMCA, the Episcopal and Presbyterian Churches in NC, MI, AR, TX and SC sharing his love of the outdoors with folks of all ages. After returning to this area, Henry worked as a host in the Biltmore House for 8 years. Henry received the Chapel Hill Jaycees' Young Man of the Year award and was honored by the Chapel Hill – Carrboro Merchants Association as the 1971 Father of the Year. He served in numerous leadership capacities as a member of the American Camping Association and was a visitor to camps in the area evaluating the safety of the camp and the inclusiveness of the programs offered. A lifelong Episcopalian, Henry was a member of Calvary Episcopal Church where he served as the Junior Warden. He served on the Lake Logan Episcopal Center Board of Directors and was Co-chair of the Camp Henry Board of Directors. Henry is survived is by his wife of 56 years, Jill Batts Meares; his 4 children Jeff (Norma) of Fort Smith, AR; Alison Cohen (Warren) of Brooklyn, NY; Tori Loke (John-Michael) of Suwanee, GA; Matt (Laura) of Houston, TX and 9 grandchildren-the loves of his life- Thomas, Spencer, and Lani Meares; Lila and Ruby Cohen; Ryan and Devin Loke; and Madyson and Nicholas Meares. Over the years other young people spent periods of time with the Meares family including Buffey Fuller of Durham, NC; and two exchange students Chico Vasquez, Costa Rica (now residing in Polk County); and Junior Ricci of Brazil. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service conducted by the Reverend Victor C. Mansfield on Friday April 24, 2015, at 2:00 pm at Calvary Episcopal Church, Fletcher NC. Following the service the family will greet friends and share Henry stories in the Old Well Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Camp Henry Scholarship Fund, in Henry's honor. Contributions may be mailed to Calvary Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 187, Fletcher, NC.

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  1. Jeff and family we are so sorry for your loss. I am sure he was proud of you and your family. Sending love and prayers to you all. Cole and Susan Killian


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