It was a day of celebration as the community came out to honor the life of former Plant City Mayor William C. Meriwether who passed away on Aug 1.
The memorial service with Meriwether’s family and friends took place at the Plant City Elks Lodge, held on Aug. 21
Meriwether was a well-known figure in town, having been on the city commission from 1978 to 1993. During that time frame, he served as mayor from 1980 to 1982, as well as vice mayor from 1989 to 1991 and 1992 to 1993.
During the service, current vice mayor Michael Sparkman spoke about his memories spent with Meriwether. During his 30 years on the commission, the vice mayor not only served as his colleague, but became his friend stating that “we just had so much fun together.”
They both were auxiliary deputies – non-employee, sheriff’s office volunteers who had the authority to arrest and carry out law enforcement functions, under the supervision of an official deputy. This title is granted after receiving the Auxiliary Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission certification.
Sparkman had the audience laughing as he detailed just how much love Meriwether had for police vehicles.
Meriwether made a request to the then city manager, Nettie Draughon, to use a police vehicle that was in her possession, and his request was granted. He would take the car, which was nicknamed “Air Force One” on the interstate for a cruise and pull up behind speeding vehicles.
In 1981, Meriwether received his certification from the Florida School of Banking at the University of Florida and later became the president of several Plant City banks.
Meriwether also kept active by being involved in a number of organizations and committees.
Prior to his time on the city commission, he was appointed to serve on the “701” Citizens Advisory Committee and the Hillsborough County Planning Commission in 1977. In 1978, he joined the Hillsborough County Criminal Justice Steering Committee and was the recipient of the Outstanding Young Man Award from the Plant City Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce).
During his first year as mayor, he represented Plant City in Clearwater’s Strawberry Eating Contest in which he won the 2nd place prize and in 1981 he was presented with the Good Government Award from the Plant City Jaycees.
In 1982, he served as the city’s representative on the Tampa Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and then the board of directors for the Florida League of Cities in 1985.
In 1989, he joined the 1st U.S.V. Volunteer Cavalry Regiment Rough Riders, based in Tampa, and remained a member until his passing. During his time in the organization, he was presented with the Special Appreciation Award.
He was recognized twice for Outstanding Community Service, in 1993 and 1997.
He stepped down from the city commission and took a seat on the Plant City Planning Commission, in 1993.
“The greatest joy my dad ever had was serving everybody else,” said Nick Meriwether, his son. “That was a way for him to really stay active and be a public servant.”
He was born on Dec. 12, 1944, in Plant City, and was adopted by William G. and Topsy Meriwether.
Unbeknownst to Topsy, her husband had placed their new child under a Christmas tree as a gift to her.
“My family has long, deep roots in Plant City,” Nick said. “My grandfather – my dad’s dad, actually was the No. 1 surgeon for South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City.”
His father’s prestigious title made Meriwether well known in the community and when he became a public servant, his children too were recognized around Plant City. Nick, along with his brother Billy and sister Bonnie experienced the spotlight
“It was fun,” Bonnie said. “It was nice to be able to go out and know that you are known and that your father was known.”
Outside of public office, Meriwether still assisted others in the community – even in times of emergency.
Nick recalled one instance when he and his father were driving down Collins Street and they saw a man who wasn’t able to put out the flames from his burning vehicle. Meriwether was able to put out the fire after grabbing a fire extinguisher from a nearby gas station.
He was a kind-hearted person who maintained his composure, Billy said.
“He didn’t carry a grudge,” he said. “He didn’t wish harm on anybody. The main thing I can say about him is that he loved people.”
After a long life in Plant City, Meriwether moved to Tampa in 1998.
Along with Nick, Bonnie, and Billy, he is survived by his two sisters, Sue Isbell and Susan Helms; ex-wife Sigrid; stepmother Carol; partner Betty Hicks; grandchildren, Jocelyn, Joel, Adelina and Abigail; cousins Joe Griffin, Jane Kline and Sandra Baier as well as nieces and nephews.