Edward Hobson Meeler

Edward Hobson “Hop” Meeler, Sr., 96, of South Boston, passed away Sunday, May 14, 2017, at the Crossings at Bon Air in Richmond. He was the son of Edward Louis and Mary Emma Hobson Meeler.  Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife who was the love of his life for 68 years, Dorothy King Meeler; daughter-in-law, Genny Bass Meeler; grandchild, Christopher Meeler Rice; and great grandson, Christopher Joseph Migliozzi. Hop is survived by his son, Edward Hobson Meeler, Jr. and his daughter, Karen Meeler Rice. He is also survived by four granddaughters, Amy Meeler Holloway (Tim), Ashley Meeler Stathatos, Paige Rice Migliozzi (Joseph), and Lindsay Rice Saunders (Brad); and by 10 great-grandchildren, Ben, Parker, and Trevor Stathatos; Elizabeth and Emma Monaghan; Katie and Andrew Migliozzi; and Jackson, Noah, and Colin Saunders.   Serving proudly as Sergeant in the United States Air Force, Hop became a loyal veteran and took great pride in his country.  In 2015, he became the fifth World War II veteran in Virginia to be honored by the Fort Lee Audie Murphy Club and was presented the Audie Murphy award for his four years of military service in the 8th Air Force in WWII.   Hop's musical talent began at a very young age. The Halifax County High School Band Director encouraged him to start a Big Band while still in High School and branded the name "Questionnaires".  He continued his musical talent while in the Air Corp and later formed "The Lads of Rhythm" during the 1940's.  He entertained at local events as well as outside the Halifax area.  Hop played both the saxophone and clarinet in his bands while playing the piano and organ by ear. Composing music was his passion and among his works includes a benediction that was sung at two South Boston churches, but he was also known for composing multiple family pieces.  Hop was a well-known and respected local businessman who established and owned a TV center and audio services in South Boston for many years. His love and devotion to his family was always priority, and his friends in South Boston and The Crossings where he resided for the past 3 ½ years were so important to him.  Those who knew him will miss his genuine love for others, his caring nature and wonderful sense of humor.  Those friendships will leave a huge void for all of us.  A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Main Street United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to the service at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery. For memorials, please consider the Chesterfield Fire and EMS, 8001 Buford Ct., Richmond, VA, 23235 or Halifax County Humane Society/ Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 969, South Boston, Virginia 24592.