Colonel (Ret) Marvin Griggs "Sonny" Meiggs, Jr.

Colonel Marvin Griggs "Sonny" Meiggs, Jr., USAF, Retired, 83, of Gallatin, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born April 28, 1942, in Chesapeake, Virginia, he was the son of Marvin Griggs Meiggs, Sr., and Pinkie Inez Powers Meiggs.

Sonny was a graduate of Moyock High School in Moyock, North Carolina, East Carolina State University in Greenville, North Carolina, and Nashville School of Law (formally YMCA School of Law).  He was a faithful member of Hartsville Pike Church of Christ.

He entered the United States Air Force in 1965 as a Second Lieutenant. Sonny entered the Tennessee Air National Guard in 1971 and was stationed at 118th Airlift Wing Berry Field in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1985, he accepted a full-time position as the Head of Logistics and maintenance squadron commander over the C-130 Hercules Aircraft Division and remained in that position until 1996, when he was promoted to Colonel and transferred to Warner Robbins Air Force Base in Warner Robbins, GA. He was the Air National Guard Liaison to the USAF C-130 maintenance depot. During his military career, Sonny served one tour in Vietnam, was deployed to the Middle East during Operation: Desert Storm, the Panama Canal, and many undisclosed locations. During his distinguished career he would go on to earn several ribbons and medals, including a Bronze Star. Sonny received an honorable discharge in 1997.

Sonny was also, at one time, a practicing attorney. After graduating from the Nashville School of Law (formerly YMCA Law School), Sonny was hired by Goodall and Bone, where he worked until establishing a law practice with Barry Brown and Perry McArthur in Gallatin, Tennessee.

He leaves behind a cherished family, including his beloved wife of 56 years, Patricia Meiggs; his son, John (Jennifer Kondal) Meiggs, of Gainesville, Virginia; and his daughter, Ashley (Troy) Neuenschwander, of Gallatin, Tennessee; grandchildren, Logan (Cameron) Betts, of Bend Oregon, and Fallon Neuenschwander, of Hendersonville, Tennessee.

He is also survived by his dear sisters-in-law: Doris Barnard, Ann Robinson, Louise Lacy, Lena Lucas, and Carolyn Lacy, each of whom held a special place in his heart.

The services to honor Colonel Meiggs will be held at Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Gallatin, Tennessee. Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 4, from 4PM to 7PM, and again on Friday, September 5, from 11AM to 1PM. The funeral service officiated by Doyle Farris will follow at 1:00 PM. Colonel Meiggs will be entombed with graveside military honors at Crestview Memory Gardens in Gallatin.

Pallbearers will be Steven Douglas, Tyler Douglas, Austin Giragos, Brian Robinson, Callaway Robinson, Max Johnson, Jeffrey Lucas, and Troy Neuenschwander. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Crockett, Danny Greer, Johnny Wilson, and his golf buddies Walter Boyd, Ronnie Russell, and Robert Whitworth.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sonny's memory to:

Potter Children's Home & Family Ministries, 2350 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, Ky  42101

Safe Place For Animals, 905 Mallard Drive, Gallatin, TN  37066

Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center has been entrusted with the final care of Col. Meiggs.