Meredith A. House departed from us unexpectedly after a rich and meaningful 96 years of life. He now continues his journey into eternity, passing into the loving hands of his Lord on February 8, 2024.

     Meredith was born on December 7, 1927, to the late Lyman J. House and Vera Jane House. He was predeceased by his sister, Frances H. Baker; and his brother, Lyman J. House, Jr.

     Meredith grew up in Richmond, Virginia, attending Thomas Jefferson High School and Virginia Commonwealth University before entering the armed forces in 1946, where he served with the occupation forces in Japan. After his discharge from the army, he enrolled in the University of Richmond law school, graduating in 1952. He married Elizabeth "Betsy" Herrink, his high school sweetheart, on September 7, 1951, and he remained her devoted, loving husband for 69 years, until her death in 2021. 

     Meredith and Betsy raised their family in Richmond, where he practiced law for 50 years. He was involved in numerous religious, professional, and civic organizations throughout his life.

     Meredith became a member of First Baptist Church in 1945 and served the church in numerous capacities during his life, including serving for three years as Chairman of its Board of Deacons. At the time of his death, he was a Lifetime Emeritus Deacon.

     He was active in the Richmond Bar Association and served as its president from 1994-1995. He received the Association's Professionalism Award in 2001, and he was also the recipient of the Virginia State Bar Local Bar Leader of the Year Award. He served for many years as a Commissioner in Chancery for the courts of the city of Richmond and the counties of Henrico, Chesterfield, and Goochland. 

     Meredith was a member of Tuckahoe Lodge No. 347 A.F. & A.M. for 65 years, and he was also a member of the Richmond Optimist Club and the Richmond Host Lions Club, serving as a trustee for its Memorial Trust Fund.

     He and Betsy both believed in making the world a better place, and they delivered Meals on Wheels to their neighbors in Richmond for many years. On New Year's Day mornings, you would find them with trash bags at the intersection of Glenside Drive and Three Chopt Road, cleaning up last year's debris. This activity was often followed by his favorite breakfast of spoon bread, fried apples, and fried eggs.

     Meredith was passionate about tennis, and he played three times a week until the age of 91. He, Betsy, and their two daughters hosted a tennis tournament every year for fifteen years on New Year's Day. Many lawyers and judges in the Richmond area enthusiastically attended that event.

     After moving to Westminster Canterbury in 2006, Meredith became chairman of its Technology Committee and provided technology support to residents for many years. He believed in trying to bloom where you are planted.

     Meredith was dedicated to his immediate and extended family. His upbeat and optimistic outlook on life was a blessing to family and friends, and he never failed to observe the irony and humor he found in life, even in difficult times. Honesty, integrity, hard work, thrift, and perseverance were the backbone of his character. He had an abiding love for his country and its free enterprise system, and he never lost his wonder of the world around him or his interest in subjects like astronomy, science, and technology.

     Meredith is survived by his children, William M. House of Portland, Oregon (Margo), Virginia H. Grigg of Richmond (Kenneth) and Carol H. House of Richmond. He was proud of his grandchildren, Sarah House, Rachel House, Melissa Thorp, Mira House, Faye House, Andrew Grigg and Matthew Grigg.  He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, with two more expected; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly.

     The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024 at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23230. A memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Richmond's First Baptist Church, 2709 Monument Avenue, at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Interment will be private.

     In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Endowment Fund or The Alzheimer's Foundation.