Melvin Jay Meadows

Paradise ~ Melvin Jay Meadows, 85, went to be with our Lord Friday, March 31, 2023 in Paradise.

Funeral is 2 PM Monday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Bridgeport with burial at Cottondale Cemetery. Family will receive friends 2-4 PM Sunday at the funeral home.

Danny Russell will officiate. Pallbearers are Brad Martin, Jerod Foster, Seth Foster, Dalton Meadows, Dillon Meadows, Dustin Meadows, Travis Hamby, and Adam Rife.

Melvin was born on July 13, 1937 to Tom and Ovella (Jones) Meadows in Cottondale. He was united in marriage to Jannie Lou Moody on June 20, 1958 in Paradise. Melvin was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a friend to many who will miss him dearly.

Melvin and Jannie Lou are lifelong farmers and ranchers and own Meadows Ranch in Cottondale.  Melvin was born and raised all his life on the ranch.  He graduated from Paradise High School in 1955.  He served on the Paradise School Board several years, also the FSA Committee in Decatur. He is a member of the Cottondale Church of Christ and was on the Board of Trustees of the Cottondale Cemetery Association. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help everyone.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ovella Meadows; and his sister, Edith Cleveland.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 64 years, Jannie Lou Meadows of Cottondale; his daughters, Deloris Martin and husband Davis of Cottondale, and Marsha Foster and husband Jay of Cottondale; his son, Todd Meadows and wife Robin of Cottondale; his grandchildren, Brad Martin and wife Jennifer, Jana Hamby and husband Travis, Jerod Foster and wife Amanda, Hayley Rife and husband Adam, Seth Foster and wife Rachel, Dalton Meadows and wife Bethany, Dillon Meadows and wife Laken, Danae Meadows, and Dustin Meadows; his great-grandchildren, Brynlee and Bryleigh Hamby, Chase and Britton Martin, Owen and Allie Rife, Eva, Lola, Emmy Foster, Conley Meadows; other relatives and a host of friends.