Childhood

Edward Harold Meade was the oldest of five children born to Thurston and Belle (Fleming) Meade. In his youth, he was known as "Harold" or "Shorty" to friends and family.

Thurston and Belle were married in Wise County, VA on August 7, 1924. Thurston was a coal miner and a preacher, and Belle stayed at home with the family until the death of her husband.

Their children were:
1. Edward Harold Meade, b. 25-May-1925, Pound, VA; d. 17-Dec-2007, Baraboo, WI.
2. Wanda Marie Meade, b. 20-Jan-1927, Jenkins, KY.
3. Kenneth Ray Meade, b. 28-May-1932, Pound, VA; died 9-Dec-2007, Pound, VA.
4. Jerry Lee Meade, b. 1937
5. Larry Meade, b. 20-Oct-1942, Pound, VA.