Johnny Ray Meeks Jr., age 54, was born on October 19, 1971, in Lakeland, Florida, and entered

into eternal rest on January 10, 2026.

Johnny Ray was a family-oriented man in every sense of the word. Everything he did and said

revolved around his family, whom he loved fiercely. He had a gift for making people laugh and

smile wherever he went, touching the lives of everyone he encountered. Each day, he made it a

point to send text messages just to let his loved ones know he was thinking of them.

Johnny Ray loved his mama with all his heart, and one of his greatest goals in life was to ensure

that she was always taken care of. His daddy, John Sr., was his hero. Not a day went by that

Johnny Ray didn't make sure they both knew how much they meant to him—and he made sure

everyone else knew it too.

A lifelong truck driver, Johnny Ray was also a devoted Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan since the age

of nine. His love for the Bucs ran deep; he even helped build Raymond James Stadium and

attended many games, cheering his team on through wins and losses alike. He was truly one of

their biggest and most loyal fans.

Johnny Ray is survived by his parents, John and Helen Meeks; his sisters, Tammy Gail

Richardson (Ray) and Angela Elaine Pittman (Jimmy); four nieces; one nephew; and four great-nieces and great-nephews. He also leaves behind many cousins, aunts, uncles, and an abundance of friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marvin and Mary Meeks, and Roy and Bertha

Solley, along with several beloved aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., followed by services at 10:00

a.m. at Hodges Family Funeral Home, 11441 US Hwy 301, Dade City, Florida. Graveside services

will immediately follow at the same location. The family kindly asks that attendees wear their

favorite Tampa Bay Buccaneers attire in honor of Johnny Ray.

Johnny Ray Meeks Jr. will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his laughter,

love, and devotion to family will live on forever