Story by Chris Lawrence
WINFIELD, W.Va. — The Putnam County community turned out to say goodbye to a man who gave back to the community his entire life.
Funeral services were held Sunday for Chuck Meadows who was a longtime member of the Winfield Fire Department. He had served as Chief of the department for the past four years. He was also a 25-year veteran tow truck driver for Hurricane Wrecker and was known by many for the service he offered them at the worst times of their lives.
“From locked keys in the car to a house fire and the many wrecks on Route 35 and the old Route 35,” said his daughter Bethany Holley. “It was his calling and what he loved to do the most.”
Meadows was known for his ability to fix mechanical problems even when he didn’t have the necessary tools for the job. According to Holley, friends gave him the nickname “MacGyver” for his ability to work through any situation.
“We’ve heard from so many people who say, ‘Oh I think your dad helped me get my keys out of my car when they were locked in.’ or ‘He helped me out with a flat tire.’” she added.
Meadows was given what his family believed would be the ultimate tribute, a procession through the town which featured fire trucks and wreckers on his way to his final resting place.