J. B. Meadows

J. B. Meadows, 86 and lifelong resident of Wiggins, passed away early Monday morning, November 14, 2022 at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. He was born on January 04, 1936, at his grandmother's home in the rural Greene county community of Avery, the oldest of four children to to Van and Romie (McLain) Meadows. J.B. spent his early years in Greene county where he enjoyed fishing and other outdoor things as most boys in the South do. The family moved to Stone county when he was about eight years old, and he has called it home since. J.B. attended Stone county schools and joined the US Army in February of 1954, not long after he turned 18. He served honorably for three years, achieving the rank of SP3. Following his discharge in 1957, J.B. returned home to Stone county and went to work at a local service station. He met a young waitress named Lucresia at Pine Park Restaurant where she had a summer job. He was definitely smitten but a bit shy, so he got her phone number from one of the other waitresses. The rest, as they say, is history. J.B.'s family didn't have a phone at the time, so he called her from work. They eventually met, dated for a couple of years, and were married Dec. 15, 1960. The young couple made their home in Bond for a while, before getting some property. They began to build their home, which took them three years and three months to complete, but when it was done, it was paid for. J.B. went to Michigan to attend front end alignment school provided by B.F. Goodrich, and was there when Danzey Tire Service opened. Over the next 30 plus years, J.B. waited on no telling how many customers and worked on countless vehicles, and he did it all with that familiar, ever-present smile. He retired in the early 2000s, training his replacement the art of alignment before leaving. J.B. and Lucresia spent most every day together, fishing, doing church work, and more. He was a Christian by faith and ordained deacon for many years, serving at Vardaman Street and Bethel Baptist churches. He was always active and kept his yard neat and trimmed. In his spare time, he enjoyed reading and studying the Bible, with plenty of study helps at his fingertips. He is remembered as a devoted husband and trusted friend to so many. You never saw him without a smile on his face, or his wife by his side...which is why he was always smiling. He will be fondly missed by all whose life he touched. J.B. was preceded by his parents, Van and Romie Meadows, and his sister Barbara Farmer. Left to cherish his memories are: his loving wife and soul mate for just shy of 62 years, Lucresia; his brother Marvin (Shirley) Meadows of Wiggins, and his sister Sharon (Jake) Gilmore of Bluffton, SC. J.B. leaves a long legacy of customers, fellow church members, extended family and friends. Funeral services are still being planned, but will be graveside at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wiggins, with Pastor Freddie Wegner officiating. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Meadows family in their time of need, and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers over the coming days.