Ronald A. "Ronnie" Meade,73, beloved husband and father, passed away at his home in Gloucester County, surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude T. Meade and Isabelle H. Meade. He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Sandra P. Meade; sons, Steven T. Meade, Eric C. Meade; special friend, Kim Kolarik and her daughter Loren M. Sparacia; grandchildren, Michael S. Coates, Brandon S. Meade, Cassandra R. Meade and Kristen M. Sparacia; one great-grandchild, Regan Lynn Meade; brothers, Phillip M. Meade Sr. and partner Monica Hudgins of Gloucester, Rylan C. Meade and wife Karen of Florida, Curtis P. Meade and partner Sara Williams of Glen Allen, Va., Danny L. Meade and partner Patty of Richmond, Va., Christopher D. Meade and partner Roberta Jones of Sandston, Va.; and sister, Donna M. Dean of Varina, Va.

Ronnie was a Navy veteran and retired from Fort Monroe, Hampton, Va., where he worked as an Army Corps of Engineers Inspector. He was a master carpenter having built his family home and numerous others throughout Gloucester County. He was very talented with his hands and enjoyed working on cars or other unique projects.

His other loves included fishing and enjoying "The Company" family and friends. He was loved and respected by all that knew him and will be truly missed.

The family received friends on Monday, Feb. 13, 2012, from 5-8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, Va. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home Chapel and officiated by retired pastor Kenneth Webb of Oakwood Memorial Baptist Church. Interment followed at Washington Memorial Park.

The family would like to thank the people of hospice for their kind and loving care of Ronnie.