Larry Meredith, Esq.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Larry Daniel Meredith, Esq. on Monday, October 23, 2023. He was the fifth of eleven children born to the late Daniel and Odessa Meredith in Shaw, Mississippi on August 5, 1947. Larry was raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. A man of the community who was dedicated to service, he remained a resident of Erie for his entire life.   

From his earliest years, his mother, Odessa Meredith, and grandparents, Howard and Rachel Dunbar modeled a strong faith in Christ. He was baptized at an early age in his grandparent’s church, the Apostolic Faith Church of God. He was taught to nurture his faith through prayer, reading the Bible, attending worship services, and actively participating in his church community as a member of the choir and youth fellowship.  

Larry was educated in the Erie public school system and graduated from East High School. While in high school, he participated in the choir, tennis, football, Honor Scout, and Glee Club.  He proudly held the nickname “Spidey” for his towering frame, showcasing his strength and determination as a stand-out wrestler. He later continued wrestling as a student at Howard University, where he received both a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor degree.  Following graduation from Howard University, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and was later honorably discharged as a Captain after serving terms with the 4/92^nd Field Artillery of the United States Army Reserves and the 112th Infantry of the Pennsylvania National Guard.  

Larry practiced law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. During his early career, he had his own private practice. He also served as a Deputy Solicitor for the City of Erie, Staff Attorney for Northwestern Legal Services, Assistant Legal Advisor to the Erie Police Bureau and an Assistant Public Defender for Erie County. He constantly sought opportunities to share his legal expertise through professional membership in the Erie County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, the National Bar Association and Hearing Committee 4.07 of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Additionally, he was an active member of the Erie County Court of Common Pleas, Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, Federal District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, and Third Circuit Court of Appeals.  

In 1977, Larry was elected as the first African American to serve on the Erie City Council and was later elected as its President. He has also held positions in a variety of local government, service, and educational institutions, including Deputy Director of the John F. Kennedy Center, Director of Intercultural Relations at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, and Personnel Director for the County of Erie. He was President and CEO of Nonmetallic Machinery Assembly, Inc., a former minority-owned manufacturing company. 

With a heart of service, Larry unselfishly dedicated himself to several community causes and organizations. He was most proud of his leadership on community boards, including: the Board of the Erie International Airport Authority, Community Health Net, the United Neighborhood Facilities Health Care Corporation; and the John F. Kennedy Center, where he most recently served as President. He has received numerous community service awards and recognitions including the NAACP’s Foot Soldiers Award, Hero of Public Housing, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Governor’s Black History Month Award, the Greater Erie Community Action Committee’s Community Service Award, 2007 East High School Alumnus of the Year, the 2008 Elks Ebony Diamond Award, and the 2023 Brother Elk of the Year Award. He maintained memberships in the NAACP, American Legion Post 700, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. (Life Member), and the Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity. In October 2022, he was made a Master Mason on the spot by the Grand Lodge of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a member of Gem City Lodge No. 328, he has served in various capacities, including Exalted Ruler. He was member of Victory Council No. 99, serving as Chief Antler, and a member of the Elks Pennsylvania State Association. Most recently, he served as the Grand Legal Advisor for the Improved Benevolent Protective Order of the Elks of the World, Chairman of the Appeals and Grievance Committee of the Grand Lodge. 

Larry is survived by his daughters, Kesia Wheeler, Dr. Michelle Butler (Thomas), Denise Meredith, Christine Debnam (Darrell), Kimberly Beason; step-children, Javonne Beason, Darrell Beason (Aleisha), and Tamara Beason; grandchildren, Chantel Lee, Brianna Bush, Maya Bush, Brielle Wheeler, Branden Butler, Daelon Johnson, Braxton Wheeler, Lauryn Butler, Jayden Debnam, Nadre Digbohou, Cameron Johnson, Christian Debnam, and Jayce Johnson; siblings, James Allen Meredith (Doris), Carol Troop, Sharon Meredith-Hooks (Leonard), Gerald Meredith, Anita Meredith and Romelle Sutton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Larry is preceded in death by his late wife, Eva Doris Beason; parents, Daniel and Odessa Meredith; sisters, Barbara Jean Euell (Harry), Joyce Meredith; and brothers, Steve and Moses Meredith. 

Friends are invited to call at Grace Church of McKean, 7300 Grubb Road, McKean, PA 16426, on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend Dr. Charles Edward Mock officiating. Burial to follow in Lakeside Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Services are under the care of Burton Quinn Scott Cremation & Funeral Services, Inc. Downtown, 602 W. 10^th St. and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/BurtonQuinnScott/

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The JFK Center, 2021 E. 20th St., Erie, PA 16510, or Odessa’s Place, 628 W. 18th St., Erie, PA 16502.

Send condolences to www.BurtonQuinnScott.com