Gene Meadows

Gene Meadows, 85, of Fort Smith, passed away Friday, April 19, 2013 after battling 18 months with kidney and lung cancer in the presence of his daughters. Gene was diagnoised with stage four lung cancer on November 1, 2011, and was given four months to live. He was a fighter until his last days. A man with a strong and giving heart.

He was born February 12, 1928 in Lavaca, Arkansas to William Presley Meadows and Willie Rankin Meadows. He was a retired buyer for both Hanna Gray Company and Roberts Automotive. Gene served three years in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fort Smith for over 55 years. He also enjoyed going to Hardee's almost every morning and enjoying good times with his coffee drinking buddies. They would discuss the worlds' problems and they all had an opinion on how to solve them. He loved going on road trips and would often take the grandchildren to Lock and Dam 13 for a day in the motor home and for a picnic.

He is survived by two daughters, Tamara and husband Terry Sinclair of Fort Smith, Rayna and husband Jerry Tucker of Liberty, Oklahoma; one son, Mel and wife Phyllis Meadows of Las Vegas, Nevada; one sister, Reba Hammond of Charleston, Arkansas; one granddaughter Renata Cole and husband Kinny of Alma; one grandson Luke Tucker of Liberty, Oklahoma. Gene was also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife Opal Juvene Meadows and two brothers, Dale and Joe Meadows.

Funeral service will be Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 10:00 AM in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the U.S. National Cemetery all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Terry Sinclair, Jerry Tucker, Kinny Cole, LaVerne Sinclair, and Roger Hammond.

The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday evening from 5-7 PM.

Memorials may be made to Peachtree Hospice 2910 Jenny Lind #4 Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.