Born in Tyrrell County, North Carolina, Meekins received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Wake Forest University in 1896 and entered private practice in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

He was an Assistant United States Attorney of the Eastern District of North Carolina from 1910 to 1914.

[2] On January 9, 1925, Meekins was nominated by President Calvin Coolidge to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina vacated by Judge Henry G. Connor.

Meekins was confirmed by the United States Senate on January 17, 1925, and received his commission the same day.

He assumed senior status on February 13, 1945, serving in that capacity until his death in Elizabeth City on November 21, 1946.