FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Sheriff Ralston Comments on Passing of Representative John Meadows
Sheriff Mitch Ralston said:
” I was deeply saddened this morning to learn of the passing of my longtime friend and mentor, Mr. John Meadows. I knew John most of my life. He gave me my start in the public safety profession as a firefighter when I was a very young man and he was mayor. He later set me upon my path in law enforcement as a police officer in Calhoun, and I have always remembered the important role he played in my life. John was a man who cared very deeply for his family and friends, and for the people he represented as an elected official. I could always count on him and trust him. He was implicitly honest and frank in all his affairs, and expected the same in return. John was always there for you. I have listened to more accounts of John helping people than I can count, and he never looked for recognition. As I grew older and began serving as an elected official myself, I had the wonderful opportunity to work with John in legislative matters. He had a unique ability to work “across the aisle” to accomplish goals in an often contentious legislative setting. His was the voice of reason, compromise, and good faith, and he got results. He was a genuine leader, and he represented the people of Calhoun and Gordon County proudly and well at the capital and all across our state. It is impossible to tally the good things he did for us here, as many things were accomplished in his style, quietly and without fanfare. He was a friend of business, agriculture, working people, and the less fortunate. He never forgot his roots, and everything about our community had a special place in his heart. John served our country in the armed forces, he served our great state, and he served our home community, but he first served his family and the Lord. I enjoyed every moment I spent in his company. He adored my wife Nikki, and was a true friend to my entire family. I hope he was as proud of me as I was of him, and while I know that he is in a better place, I will always miss him very much.”