Representative John Meadows — Rest In Peace
State Representative John Meadows passed away last night after a heroic fight against stomach cancer. He had a distinguished career of public service including serving in the Marine Corp, 13 years as the Mayor of Calhoun, 14 years as a state representative, and 8 years as the Chair of the powerful Georgia House Rules Committee.
John was a fighter and intensely loyal to his friends. If he felt something was the right thing to do, he wasn’t interested in the odds. He stood with Speaker David Ralston, for instance, in the Speaker’s first very long shot campaign for the House gavel in 2008, and never wavered in his support. During his subsequent long tenure as Rules Chair, he developed a reputation for an open door and listening to all sides.
What is most important about, John, however, was his devotion to his wife Marie, their two children B.J. and Missy, and his three grandchildren, twins Will and Patrick, and Maxwell. Oh, and I might add, he was a heckuva golfer.
I am proud to have called John my friend. May the Peace of the Lord be with Marie, his entire family, and all of us who knew and loved him. He will be missed.
About Author
Edward
Edward Lindsey served in the Georgia House for a decade and as House Majority Whip for three terms. He currently practices law in Atlanta.
Add a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Speaker of the House David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) announced that State Representative John Meadows (R-Calhoun) passed away today. Rep. Meadows was Chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee.
“My dear friend John was a great man – brave Marine, loving father and adoring grandfather,” said Speaker Ralston. “He loved his family with total devotion. His public service, both as a Marine and a State Representative, was grounded in trying to ensure his children and grandchildren saw a better tomorrow.
“John was outwardly fierce and courageous but he was, at the same time, one of the kindest and most generous souls you have ever met. There aren’t words to describe the magnitude of this loss for our House of Representatives or the State of Georgia, and my heart is simply broken under the weight of this sad news.
“My heart goes out to John’s family – particularly his beloved wife Marie, his children B.J. and Missy, and his grandsons Will, Patrick, and Max.”
Rep. Meadows was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in November 2004 and represented the residents of Murray and Gordon Counties. In addition to chairing the Rules Committee, he also served on the Governmental Affairs, Industry and Labor, Insurance, Retirement, and Game, Fish, & Parks Committees.
Prior to his election to the House, he served as the Mayor of Calhoun for 13 years as well as a member of the Calhoun City Council for three years.
He spent his professional career in the insurance industry and proudly served the United States in the Marine Corps. A native of Calhoun, Rep. Meadows attended West Georgia College (now the University of West Georgia).
ATLANTA – Speaker of the House David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) announced that State Representative John Meadows (R-Calhoun) passed away today. Rep. Meadows was Chairman of the powerful House Rules Committee.
“My dear friend John was a great man – brave Marine, loving father and adoring grandfather,” said Speaker Ralston. “He loved his family with total devotion. His public service, both as a Marine and a State Representative, was grounded in trying to ensure his children and grandchildren saw a better tomorrow.
“John was outwardly fierce and courageous but he was, at the same time, one of the kindest and most generous souls you have ever met. There aren’t words to describe the magnitude of this loss for our House of Representatives or the State of Georgia, and my heart is simply broken under the weight of this sad news.
“My heart goes out to John’s family – particularly his beloved wife Marie, his children B.J. and Missy, and his grandsons Will, Patrick, and Max.”
Rep. Meadows was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in November 2004 and represented the residents of Murray and Gordon Counties. In addition to chairing the Rules Committee, he also served on the Governmental Affairs, Industry and Labor, Insurance, Retirement, and Game, Fish, & Parks Committees.
Prior to his election to the House, he served as the Mayor of Calhoun for 13 years as well as a member of the Calhoun City Council for three years.
He spent his professional career in the insurance industry and proudly served the United States in the Marine Corps. A native of Calhoun, Rep. Meadows attended West Georgia College (now the University of West Georgia).
We’ve lost a good man who knew how to wield power with a firm hand and at the same time to be fair to all concerned. Condolences to his family.
I can picture Ralston, hovering over his death bed, hand wringing and pestering his wife on whether Meadows will live past Election Day.
This diagnosis should have been announced during the campaign and Meadows should have resigned his seat. Now the district and state will shoulder the burden of a special election.
That election cost should come from Ralston’s pocket. The whole thing smells of BS politics.