Joseph Ernest Meachum, Sr., retired owner of Melia’s Hardware and a past Summerville Commissioner of Public Works, passed away at The Claibourne in Summerville, SC, May 19, 2024. A celebration of his life will be held at Summerville Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends after his service in Lanneau Hall at the church. Burial will be private. Joe is survived by his wife, Annette Brandenburg Meachum; one son, Joseph Ernest Meachum, Jr. “Jemie”; one daughter, Lauren Meachum Gary and her husband, Bert, of Augusta, GA; and two grandchildren, Anne Myers Reeder Gary of Charlotte, NC, and Albert von Kamp Gary, IV of Augusta, GA. He is also survived by one sister, Henrietta Meachum Cannon, of Greenville, SC; one niece; and one nephew. Joe was born in Bennettsville, SC, September 9, 1936, the son of the late Mildred Covington Meachum and Henry Taft Meachum. He was a graduate of Bennettsville High School and The Citadel, class of 1959, where he was a member of the Summerall Guards. Joe was a member of Summerville Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and a Deacon. He also served as Summerville Commissioner of Public Works for over 30 years. He was a past president of the Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Rotary Cluband the Lions Club. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Summerville Presbyterian Church “Kitchen Fund” 407 South Laurel Street, Summerville, SC 29483 or to the charity of your choice. The Meachum family wants to extend many thanks to The Claibourne of Summerville, all the staff of Tempest, and Agape Hospice for their wonderful care. Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, 130 W. 1st North Street, Summerville, SC