Retired pastor John F. Meadows dies Sept. 10

John F. Meadows — who retired in April from the pastorate of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Salem — died Sept. 10. He was 79.

A native of Columbus, Georgia, Meadows earned a master’s degree and began a ministry that lasted more than 45 years. His ministry led him to churches in Georgia, Florida and North Carolina, then back to Georgia and finally Alabama, where he served at Pleasant Grove Baptist for the last five years of his ministry.

He is preceded in death by his son, John F. Meadows Jr. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Norma; daughter, Scarlet; son, Christian; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.