John Charles Meador Sr., 80, of Hattiesburg, MS, passed away on August 6, 2025, at Forrest General Hospital. Born on April 10, 1945, in Hattiesburg, John was a beloved husband, devoted father, and proud grandfather, affectionately known as “Papa.” He deeply loved his family.

In every aspect of his life, John saw opportunities to encourage and help others. For over 20 years, he served as the Director of the Cemetery Department for the City of Hattiesburg. He saw this job as an opportunity to serve people. He also worked as the Director of Administration and City Clerk. However, he always preferred the hands-on opportunity to be there for members of his community in times of need that the Cemetery Department provided him.

John was a lifelong active member of Broad Street Methodist Church. He was very involved in assisting Broad Street Church’s move west to become Heritage Church. John was a past master of the Hattiesburg Masonic Lodge #397, 32° Scottish Rite, York Rite, and Eastern Star. He also proudly served his country as a Staff Sargent in the Army Reserves.

John always enjoyed being outdoors, whether working in the family garden, hunting, fishing, spending time with friends or family, or simply sitting by a creek or finding a high vantage point to watch a storm roll in over the Smoky Mountains. In his retirement years, he developed a passion for traveling to beautiful places across the country.

John is preceded in death by his mother, Frances Turner Meador, and father, Claiborne Gowers “Pete” Meador. He is survived by his wife, Ginger, who first held his hand and stole his heart in the sixth grade. He is also survived by his beloved daughter Betsy Henderson (Ed), their daughters, Jessica Wilson (Scott), Jennifer McSween (Michael), bonus daughter, Austin Wilson, and six great-grandchildren; his faithful son, Chuck (Katie), and his grandchildren, Lindsay, Nathan, and Jonathan, and 12 foster children. He is also survived by his brother, Joe (Lynn), his niece, Mary Frances Meador Larson (Dave), and his nephew, Clai (Sheri); his sister-in-law, Connie Belk (Doug), and their daughter, Meagan Drew (Jerry), and a host of extended family and friends.

A funeral service to celebrate John’s life will be held on Monday, August 11, at 1:00 at Heritage Church (3 Barracuda Drive). Visitation will begin at 11:30 at Heritage Church. In place of flowers, donate to Heritage Church Building Fund.

Honorary Pallbearers: John Holton, Doug McLelland, Mark Norton, Michael Norton, Matthew Norton, Eddie Smith, Tony Wilberding

The family offers deep appreciation for the nurses, doctors, and staff of the Hattiesburg Clinic Heart and Vascular and the Forrest General ICU.