Samuel H. Meares

Samuel H. Meares, 97, of Fayetteville, passed away on September 12, 2023, at home. He was born in Mullins, SC on July 24, 1926, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Jefferson and Ruth Meares. Sam was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Laura Russell Meares and by their beloved son Jefferson S Meares II.

Sam grew up in Raleigh and earned his Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from the University of North Carolina. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He received his CPA accreditation in 1955 and worked as an accountant in Savannah and then in Fayetteville. Laura and Sam were longtime and faithful members of Hay Street United Methodist Church. In 2008, he was presented an honorary Doctor of Divinity for his dedicated service to Carolina Bible College. As an active member of the Kiwanis Club, Sam served his community of Fayetteville. Tennis was another of his loves. In fact, Sam and his tennis partner teamed up to win three straight doubles titles in the Senior Games, competing in the 75–80-year-old group winning 3 gold medals. Sam served on the board of directors of Cumberland Community Foundation for many years, serving on many committees including Audit, Finance, and Investment, and served as its Treasurer from 2005 to 2007.

Left to cherish Sam’s memory are his precious granddaughter, Stacie Cooper; niece, Bonnie Raney; wonderful friends, Nikki and Wayne Sessoms; nieces and nephews; and a host of friends and neighbors. Sam was loved by everyone whose life he touched.

A memorial service is planned for 10am on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Hay Street United Methodist Church, officiated by Rev. David Woodhouse. The burial will follow the service at 11am in Lafayette Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Hay Street United Methodist Church, 320 Hay Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301 or to Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc, PO Box 2345, Fayetteville, NC 28302 for the Laura and Sam Meares Memorial Community Fund.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service and Crematory.