Hayward Merritt "Meddy" Settles, 59, a beloved member of the Wayne County community, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 29, 2024 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family and under the compassionate care of GHC Hospice. Meddy, as he was affectionately known, was a lifelong resident of Wayne County, Georgia, and a proud graduate of Wayne County High School. Meddy served as a devout member of Fellowship Baptist Church for many years and in recent years devout member of Calvary Baptist Church, exemplifying his deep faith and commitment to his community. He dedicated 40 years of his life to Local 256, joining at the age of 18 and retiring in November 2022, where he cherished the camaraderie of his fellow Union Workers. Meddy was cherished as a friend by all who knew him. His warm heart, genuine kindness, and unwavering support endeared him to many. He leaves behind a legacy of love and friendship that will be cherished by those whose lives he touched. Meddy will be deeply missed but remembered fondly for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family, friends, and community. He is preceded in death by his father, Hayward M Settles Sr., his son, Glenn Garett Settles, his father-in-law, Willie Glenn Franklin, and his maternal grandparents, Ed and Myrtice Fennell.

Meddy is survived by his beloved soul mate of 40 years, Glynis Franklin Settles, his Baby Girl Madison Settles, Madison's devoted boyfriend, Gabriel Hogan, his mother, Kathy (Jerry) Crow, his mother-in-law, Dale Franklin, brother-in-law, Norman (Charlotte) Franklin, sister-in-law, Annisa (Greg) Feuz, Aunt Edwina Anderson, numerous nieces and nephews, and three great nieces who were his little prayer warriors.

A service to celebrate Meddy's life will be held on 2 PM Sunday, March 3, 2024 at Calvary Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Pete Boyd. Interment will follow at Thompson Family Cemetery on Annie Thompson Road.

Honoring his memory as active pallbearers are his union brothers - Raymond McCullough, Mark Imbrigiotta, Zachary Jackson, Larry Phillips, David Hicks, Lloyd Hicks, Tom Jenkins, Dan Morris, Tim Burns. Recognized as honorary pallbearers are the local carpenters at Local 256 and any fellow active Union Brothers, the Calvary Baptist Truth Tellers Sunday School Class, the 1983 Wayne County High School Class, members of the Savannah Building Trade, and the staff at GHC Hospice along with members of his cherished family and friends - Norman Franklin, Walker Franklin, Weston Franklin, Greg Feuz, Franklin Tatum, Mackey McReady, Paul Goober, and Ronnie Mullis.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.