Ellis Devine "Butch" Meares, Jr., 72, died Tuesday, June 14th, 2011 at Loris Community Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis Devine, Sr. and Mary Alice Meares. Butch was one of the first in Fair Bluff to earn his Eagle Scout and was a graduate of Oak Ridge Military Academy, where he was the Battalion Commander. He also attended Wake Forest University. Meares later returned to Fair Bluff to begin his career as a farmer, insurance agent, building inspector, magistrate, and tobacco warehouseman. Aside from his family, his greatest devotion and ongoing legacy was his tireless commitment to the Fair Bluff Fire Department and Rescue Squad. He was a member for 52 years and served as Fire Chief for 36 years. He also served as President of the Columbus County Fire and Rescue Association for 15 years and was Chairman of the Region O EMS Advisory Council for 10 years. However, given these many accomplishments, the tremendous extent of his service remains the incalculable number of hours spent fighting fire and in the care and transport of the citizens of this county. He served on multiple bank boards, including United Carolina Bank, Southern National Bank, as well as BB&T. Butch was a devoted member of Fair Bluff Baptist Church and was Assistant Scout Master for Fair Bluff Troop 503. Mr. Meares is survived by his wife of 28 years, Connie E. Meares, who served faithfully beside him in his many endeavors; his three daughters, Judy Meares Tyree and husband Ricky of Lake Waccamaw; Alesia Meares Farmer and husband Terry of Graham, NC; and Sophia Gay Meares Scott and husband Neil of Fair Bluff. He was "Papa" to Mary Beth Scott Hayes, Ricky Allen Tyree, Ashley Cheryl Strickland, Kristen Ellis Tyree, Caroline O'Neil Scott, and Lauren Michelle Strickland. He was Great Grandfather to Parker Scott Hayes. He is also survived by a sister, Patsy M. Singletary of Albemarle, NC; three nieces, Suzan S. Dabbs, Robyn E. Singletary, Andrea Devine Dick and a nephew, Norman I. "Chip" Singletary, Jr. of Fair Bluff. The family will receive friends Thursday, June 16 from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be conducted Friday, June 17 at 11 a.m. at Fair Bluff Baptist Church by the Rev. Dr. Ray Lundy, with a burial service following at Columbus Memorial Park in Whiteville, NC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fair Bluff Fire Department and Rescue Squad PO Box 645 Fair Bluff, NC 28439.

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