GARY JAMES MEEKINS, 79, passed away on April 15, 2024, at his home in Hollywood, MD, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on January 20, 1945 in Oceanside, NY, and was the son of Elmer Joseph Meekins and Anna Cecilia Trebolitiche Meekins. Gary is survived by his loving wife, Mary Knott Farmer-Meekins, his stepsons, Michael W. Farmer (Cathy) of Hughesville, MD and Anthony J. "A.J." Farmer (Faith) of Hollywood, MD, and his sisters, Barbara Fracchia (John) of Horsehead, NY and Victoria Meekins (Ron) of Middleburg, NY. He was predeceased in death by his brothers, Dennis Meekins of NY and Richard Meekins of Florida.

Gary was gifted with a talented voice, loved the "BLUES" and composed many of his own songs. He formed a band called Water Brother and performed at various venues in Manhattan, NY. During his budding music career, he met and performed with popular musicians of the time such as Jack Sonni of Dire Straits. He was offered the lead role in "JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR" but turned it down because of his loyalty to his band members. Gary removed himself from the musical field when he realized his musical career would be controlled by the Mafia of NY.

Between 1978 and 1990, Gary was the Stage Manager for USA NETWORK. He was responsible for all aspects of floor, stage, and production management, which included scenic, camera, crew logistics, and all details from setup to filming. During that time, he met and worked with famous showbiz stars such as Gregory Peck, Mr. T., Danny DeVito, and George Burns.

Between 1990 and 1997, Gary was a Deputy Investigator/Detective for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office in Fonda, New York. Gary conducted surveillance through video and audio taping, investigated and analyzed intelligence from informants regarding drug dealers. He received many accolades for this work, to quote one, "His undercover work, in particular, is the very definition of excellence. I could not begin to adequately describe his abilities that led to literally hundreds of undercover narcotics purchases with the city. Many of my Officers are now doing higher quality work, thanks to their interaction with Investigator Meekins".
He retired from NYPD in 1997 and moved to St. Mary's County, MD to marry his childhood sweetheart, Marilyn Matthis, who sadly succumbed to cancer in 2007.

Between 1998 and 2008, he was as a Uniformed Protective Officer for the United States Department of State in Washington, DC. and the Office of Naval Intelligence at Andrews Air Force Base in Suitland, MD. His main responsibility was to screen people and vehicles related to Homeland Security, national security, and ONI security. During this period, Gary was honored the award of Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal for his participation in the response to the 9/11 attack on the United States of America.

In 2008, he married his wife of 15 years, Mary, and, the same year, he took a position working as an intelligence analyst for the Office of Naval Intelligence as the liaison for USN, USAF, intelligence and law enforcement communities. He also coordinated logistical efforts in relation to TRIDENT deploying forces.
After his retirement in 2011, Gary enjoyed the social community he found at the Patuxent Moose Lodge and collecting and driving classic cars. He founded and managed the "Blue Eyed Blues" band of which he was the lead singer and performed gigs for several years in the Southern Maryland area.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, where a funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 4:00 PM with Rev. Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.