Birth date: May 13, 1923 Death date: Nov 19, 2004
Joel R. “Smokey” Meador, Sr. 81, former Decatur Wal-Mart greeter died Friday November 19, 2004 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. Funeral Services celebrating his life will be 8 pm Tuesday Evening in the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home and Read Obituary
Our deepest sympathy to you at this time. Smokey was always a special friend to our girls. He never needed to know their names…just Sweetie. Seeing Smokey at Wal~Mart was always the highlight of their week. The place will never be the same without him. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Decatur, IL US
To the family of Smokey Meador, I just wanted to tell you how much we loved Smokey. I come to Walmart at least 2 or 3 mornings a week to shop and he always to the time to make us feel special. I bring my 2 young grandchildren with me and he always told Breanna that she "sure is pretty' and he always gave my 5 yr old grandson a "High five" and took the time to talk to him. Just on Thursday Alec told him all about the Incredible characters and Smokey gave him his undivided attention. It will be hard to enter Walmart and not see his smiling face. I know Smokey is up in heaven now greeting people as he loved too, at the Golden Gates. I just wanted to tell you how special we thought he was and he will be greatly missed. sincerely, Janene Greer Oreana, IL US
Deepest sympathy to Lois, Bobbie, Jake and the rest of the Robinett family. Uncle Smokey was the type of person who enjoyed life, not only his, but the lives of others. I am sure that he touched the lives of many. Thanks for the great memories of family visits to Uncle Smokey and Aunt RubyÃ?â??ââ?¬â?¢s house when they resided in East Alton.Hugs from Sunny Florida.Robin Stelmar Riverview, FL US
I'm so sorry for your lose. I didn't know Smokey all that well but he was a great man. I transfered to Walmart in September from Mississippi, so that was a big change for me, but when you walk in the door there and you see Smokey's smiling face it just brightens your day, no worries or fears. He was always there smiling, saying hi sweetie how are you doing or have a nice day honey. He was the most polite and sweet man i've ever ran across and he will be sadly missed but i'll never forget him. My prayers and thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. God bless you all. Decatur, IL US
DEEPEST SYMPATHY FROM FRANK&PAT KELLY DECATUR, IL US
I am gonna miss my daily hugs at Walmart Smokey. Give my grandma a hug for me when you see her in Heaven. You will truly be missed. Argenta, IL US
My family and I will miss that friendly face at Wal-mart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Decatur, IL US
I left Wal-Mart today with tears in my eyes. I was hoping the obit in the paper was not for "my friend". I felt like he was a personal friend even though he did not know me personally. He will be sorely missed by many customers like me. He always greeted me when I entered and as I left. I will miss him, oh so much. God bless all his family. Decatur, IL US
When Candi called me and told me about Smokey passing away I couldn't believe it. He has been in my life since I was born. I remember when Ruby, Smokey and Kenny used to spoil me and my two sisters, they thought we could do no wrong, so they were always on my parents for getting on to us. They all made me feel like part of the family even tho i really was not. Every time that I would go into Wal-Mart he would tell me how much I have grown up and how beautiful I was. I am sorry that I won't be able to come to the services because i now am staying in Watertown, New York. I want you guys to know that I wish I could be there. Things just will not be the same since smokey is gone, especially when i walk into Wal-Mart. It just seemed natural every time i went to Wal-Mart to see Smokey standing there smileing. He would always give me a big hug. He always tried to keep track of my dad's hunting and fishing trips which no one can!. I remember the day beore i left to go to New York he told me to be safe and to stay out of trouble. I just want you all to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you when you go through this hard time. I Love Yall,Misty Espy Watertown, NY US
I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to Smokey's family and friends. I didn't know him on a personal level but as a very nice man who always made me and my now 10-month-old daughter smile when we shopped at Wal-Mart. He never failed to tell her how beautiful she is and me that I'm a lucky momma. I moved to this area in April and he was the first friendly face I encountered here. I'll never forget his sweetness and kindness. He is sorely missed. Decatur, IL US
