Meacham, Thomas Neil

Thomas N. (Tom) Meacham, 80, passed away Saturday, November 19, 2011 at his home in Blacksburg, Va. Tom was born in San Luis Obispo, Calif. to Vernon Henry and Berwyn Kennedy Meacham. He attended San Luis Obispo High School then California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), where he was a member of the Alpha Zeta honorary fraternity and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science in June 1953. One week later Tom and Carol Beck, also of San Luis Obispo, were married. Tom then served two years in the United States Army, stationed in Washington and Texas. Following his military service he returned to Cal Poly and received an agriculture teaching certificate and taught at Arbuckle High School in Arbuckle, Calif. In 1958 the family moved to Gainesville, Fla., where he earned a doctorate degree from the University of Florida in animal nutrition and reproductive physiology. In 1962, Meacham joined the faculty in the Department of Animal Science at Virginia Tech where he taught and conducted research in reproductive physiology. In the late 1960’s he reintroduced equine studies to the College of Agriculture and by the time of his retirement in 1992, the program had grown to include research in nutrition, physiology, reproduction; and Virginia Tech had nationally renowned horse judging and equitation programs. In 1993 Tom was named a Fellow of the Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society. During his tenure at Virginia Tech he most enjoyed his teaching and student advising roles, and was a popular advisor for the Block and Bridle Club, and received their Outstanding Service Honor Award in 1992. He also contributed significantly to the state 4-H Horse program and was a local club leader. Tom was instrumental in the development of both the Virginia Horse Council (VHC) and the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington. He was a past president of VHC and received the Horseman of the Years Award in 1991, and was a board member of the Horse Center. He was also active in the Blacksburg Saddle Club and enjoyed working with family and friends developing miles of trails in the Nation Forest along Brush Mountain and Poverty Creek. During retirement, Tom was an active member of the Mount Tabor Ruritan Club, and in September 2011 was recognized for his “unparalleled service of 15 years (1996-2011) as Club Secretary”. He was also chairman of the club’s popular Fish Fry for several years. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Malcolm H. Meacham. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol B. Meacham; daughter, Susan L.; son, Vernon B. and his wife, Nancy; and grandchildren, Aaron Darnton, Kimberly Groover, Dillon Meacham and Duncan Meacham. Also surviving are his sister, Mary Vern Bennett; and brother, Robert K. Meacham. No formal service will be held. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Virginia Tech Foundation for support of the Virginia 4-H Horse program and the Virginia Tech Equine program. Please indicate the gift is in honor of Tom Meacham. Contributions may be sent to R.J. McDaniel, 216 Hutcheson Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24060. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home Blacksburg.