June 28, is Ray Meeks’ 68 birthday. He developed chest pains soon after he was moved to Madison Correctional Institution in December, his third post death row facility. After waiting over a month, he underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville. As soon as he returned to Madison, he developed severe pains in his leg and chest. He returned to Memorial where he was treated for blood clots in his leg and lung. He is still in the infirmary at Madison, hoping to be back to his dorm around the time you read this.

I have not been able to visit him since the COVID-19 outbreak, but I was able to speak to him by phone last week. He is his usual positive self. He sounds good.

He expects to remain at Madison for the foreseeable future and is looking forward to getting involved in all activities available to him once he is healthy enough to do so.

Here is Ray, having come perilously close to death in a far different way than his previous two execution warrants, and he remains distinctively filled with hope. He wants you to know how much he appreciates the prayers and support he receives from all of you.

This month we ask for contributions to his birthday fund. Thanks to your previous gifts he has been able to purchase a tablet. He can email and download music (although the music downloads are pricy.) He also has limited phone privileges. He is thrilled with all of this.

He has these opportunities because we at UCG send him money twice a year, at Christmas and now in June, for his birthday. The money we send him also allows him to buy snacks in the canteen, pajamas, shoes, sweatshirts etc. from the prison designated suppliers.

You may contribute to Ray by making a check to UCG and designating it to the Ray Meeks Fund and leave it at church, either in the office or the basket in the vestibule. Include your name and address because Ray likes to write and thank people.

You may also write to Ray. He loves letters. His address is

Douglas Raymond Meeks 046346

Madison Correctional Institution

382 S.W. MCI Way

Madison, FL 32340

Thanks for all your support of Ray over the years. He is a living example of hope happening.

Larry