Ronnie Peyton Merideth

Ronnie Peyton Merideth passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, in Meridian, Idaho, with his beloved wife of 52 years, Elizabeth, by his side.

Ronnie was born on August 24, 1939, in Amory, Mississippi, alongside his twin brother, Lonnie “Clayton”, to parents James Delbert and Mary Lavelle Merideth. He grew up with his siblings Patricia “Pat”, James “Jimmy”, and Clayton, forming a close-knit southern family.

The Merideth family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, while Ronnie and Clayton were in junior high school. They attended Bellevue Junior High and graduated from Southside High School in 1957. Known as “Peyton” throughout much of his early life, he served 6 years in the Tennessee National Guard while working as an emergency dispatcher for the Memphis Fire Department.

However, it was his love for teaching that would define his life and career. Ronnie earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education from Memphis State University and began teaching at Airways Junior High School in 1970, later serving as Principal at Kingsbury Vocational & Technical School.

In September 1972, he met Elizabeth Lemmon, the love of his life. The two were married in December 1972. Ronnie brought two children from a previous marriage, Stephen Craig and Angela Renee, who were loved as their own. Together, they welcomed their son, Lawrence “Peyton” Merideth, in 1977.

The couple first visited family in Alaska in 1975 and returned in 1980. During that second visit, they applied for teaching positions in Fairbanks, Alaska. Upon returning home, Ronnie was inspired to write a song titled “Unseen Lives in Alaska.” Captivated by the state’s rugged beauty, he and Elizabeth made the life-changing decision to relocate to Alaska in the fall of 1981.

Now referred to by his first name, Ronnie, he began a long and rewarding career with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, teaching at Hutchison Career Center, Lathrop High School, and finally Tanana Junior High School, where he transformed traditional industrial arts classes into a modern technology education program.

Over his 30-plus years in education, Ronnie taught thousands of students, leaving an enduring mark as an educator, mentor, and friend. His influence extended beyond the classroom through his active involvement in the First United Methodist Church of Fairbanks, where his faith and kindness touched many lives.

Ronnie retired from teaching in 2001, but his energy and enthusiasm never slowed. He worked part-time as a tour guide for Holland America, where his warm southern drawl, storytelling charm, and genuine love for people made him a favorite among travelers. He cherished his time as a full-time grandfather and could often be found fishing at Quartz or Chena Lakes with his family — his favorite pastime.

Ronnie was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Lavelle Bryant and James Delbert Merideth; his sister, Pat Tully; and his brothers, Clayton and Jimmy Merideth.

He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Merideth; his children, Stephen Craig Merideth of West Memphis, AR, Angela Renee Merideth-Harrison of Marion, AR, and Peyton Merideth, of Meridian, Idaho; and his grandchildren, LeeAnn Merideth, MaryAnna Merideth, Peyton Merideth, Hunter Merideth, Taylor Merideth, Asher Merideth, and Presley Merideth.

Ronnie’s legacy of love, laughter, music, education, and faith will live on in all who knew him. His was a life of purpose, service, and deep devotion to family — a life well-lived and a man well-loved.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be made to Children’s Ministries at Meridian United Methodist Church, 235 East Pine Street, Meridian, ID 83642.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.