October 29, 1954 – August 17, 2018

Ulysses S. “Lish” Meekins, 63, of Wanchese died Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, at UNC Hospitals, Chapel Hill.

A native of Wanchese, he was born Oct. 29, 1954, to Joyce Tillett Meekins of Wanchese and the late Charles Macon Meekins.

Lish was a self-employed man of many talents, from designing and engineering equipment to yacht roll-overs and transport services, building homes and commercial fishing. Lish started SouthSide Services and upon his retirement worked alongside his son who has continued to grow and operate the business. After 25 years of service with the Roanoke Island Volunteer Fire Department, he retired as assistant chief.

A lifetime member of Bethany United Methodist Church, he was passionate about helping others in need and was actively involved in ministries and missions for the community of Wanchese he loved.

In addition to his mother, Lish is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Ann “LizAnn” Creef; four children, Aletia Meekins Goudy, Jessica Meekins Diaz (Brad), Jacob McWayne Robinson, and Luke Redding Meekins (Victoria); three grandchildren, Christian Goudy, Kaleb Goudy, and Evalynn Meekins; seven siblings, Charles Meekins (Helen), Myrtle Williams (Lacy), Yvonne Austin (Gregory), Minta Meekins, Affie Machie, Elisha Meekins (Christine), and Denise Mann (Billie); as well as many nieces, nephews, and an abundance of “adopted” families and friends.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his twin sister, Letitia C. “Tish” Daniels.

A funeral was held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 21, at Bethany United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ken Davenport and Pastor Craig Blackwell officiating. Private burial will take place at Cudworth Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations for Multiple Myeloma Cancer may be made to UNC Lineberger Cancer Research Center, PO Box 309, Chapel Hill, NC 27514-0309 or online at www.unclineberger.org.

Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.TwifordFH.com.