David Paul MeredithBorn; 5-13-39 in Edgeware, England to James Noel and Sarah May Meredith
Entered into eternal life; 11-22-16, at home with his wife of 58 years and his family at his side
77 years young Resided in Morada, CA
Born in England during World War 2, Paul was separated from his family in September 1940, as their family home was bomb damaged and were forced to evacuate. They were reunited 5 years later and immigrated to Canada in 1948, making their way down to Oregon and ultimately Lodi, CA. Paul became a naturalized citizen of the United States in August 1966.
Paul met the love of his life, Joyce Jeanette Fehling, at Lodi Union High School and married on April 18, 1958. They shared a full, joyous life consisting of 58 years of marriage and starting their Army of Love that consists of 5 children, 12 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren.
Paul had numerous jobs throughout his life, doing whatever he needed to do to provide for his large family, at times juggling 3 jobs at one time. He spent over 15 years as a refrigeration mechanic for the Fruit Growers Express Railroad in Stockton, CA. Upon closure of the FGE Railroad, Paul became a successful entrepreneur. He started The Family Janitorial Services, serving numerous businesses in the San Joaquin County, with his wife and children contributing to the business.
He later became a Vocational Instructor for the California Youth Authority of the State of California. Paul found great fulfillment in his career there, knowing he was contributing to the life of inmates by teaching them real-world skills that could be used once their time was served.
Paul was happiest spending time with beloved wife, Joyce and precious dog, Maddie, whether at home or traveling to various timeshare locations domestically and abroad. He was an avid golfer, spending time with family members and his golfing buddies on various golf courses, with a can of Bud Light nearby. He was a die-hard Oakland A’s and Raider Fan. In fact, his last word spoken was “touchdown” as he watched his beloved Raiders win on MNF with his family at his bedside.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah and James Meredith of Swansea, Wales, daughter, Shelly May Scott, and grandson, Joshua Neff Christy of Lodi, CA.
Paul leaves behind his devoted wife, Joyce Meredith of Morada, daughter, Julie Christy and son-in-law, Neff of Lodi, daughter, Shirley Meredith of Livermore, son, David Meredith and daughter-in-law, Allison of Lodi and daughter, Diana Meredith and partner, Eric Johnson of Galt, sister, Nerina Williams of Swansea, Wales and sister, Barbara Brown of Rocklin, Ca.
He leaves his legacy to be continued by his grandchildren, Jeremy Christy, Larry Wilson, Meredith Guidry, Samantha Ang, Sarah Scott, Bradley Scott, Michelle Scott, Amy Meredith, Chris Meredith, Matthew Winterhalder, Andrew Rowe and great-grandchildren, Alexa, Cyrus, Abigail, David, and Liam.
SERVICES
A Celebration of Paul’s Life will be held at; Cherokee Memorial, Chapel of the flowers - Lodi, CA Nov. 30, 11am Reception immediately following at – Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 1540 W. Lodi Avenue, Lodi, CA Donations can be made to The American Cancer Society or Hospice of San Joaquin County