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.