Robert Campbell Meadows, Sr., 100, of Columbus, GA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025. He was a wonderful and devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose presence brought warmth and joy to all who knew him.
Born and raised in Columbus, GA, Robert was the beloved son of the late Reuben Bennett Mobley and Stella Mae Campbell. A fixture of the local community, Robert owned and ran the Palace Billiards and Chili Bar for over 40 years. He was widely credited with perfecting a Columbus culinary icon—the Scrambled Dog—a dish that became as legendary as the man who served it.
Robert will forever be remembered for his generous spirit, quick wit, thousand-watt smile and the endless supply of riddles and jokes he shared to keep his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren smiling. He was an avid walker and square dancer, a passionate coin collector, and a loyal volunteer in the kitchen during church and community events. He loved to read, solve puzzles, shop for bargains, and get his steps in at the mall. He was also a movie enthusiast and remained very active with his children and grandchildren throughout his life. In his later years, he discovered a love for the game Rummikub, earning the title “Rummikub King” among friends and family, still winning with ease thanks to his continued sharp wit at 100 years old.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his cherished wife Ruth Kathleen King, his daughter, Karen Elizabeth Armstrong, his son, Robert Campbell Meadows, Jr., and sisters, Kathryn Ennis and Joann Wilkins.
Robert is survived by his loving daughters: Jayne Govar, Teresa Murdock (Bobby), and Tammy Condrey, all of Columbus, GA. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren: Tami Wallace, Lauren Aseron, Morgann Hall, Michael Govar, Robert Meadows III, Jessica Bauer, Allyson Lawrence, Nicole Condrey, and Tyler Condrey, along with seventeen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will carry his legacy forward with love and pride.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, May 1 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, GA. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, GA.
