James Allen Mealor

Mr. James Allen Mealor, age 76, went to meet his Lord and Savior peacefully, surrounded by loved ones in his home on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

J. Allen Mealor, born on March 26, 1949, was a cherished blessing to all who knew him. Raised in the vibrant Lakewood Heights neighborhood of Atlanta, Allen grew up alongside his three sisters-Mary Ruth Merkel, Kathy Griggs, and Doris Anne Cash-in a loving home shaped by his mother, Jean Smith Mealor, and his father, Oscar Harper Mealor, a proud Marine and World War II veteran. Life with a Marine drill sergeant father and three sisters offered young Allen plenty of lessons, though not without its share of mischief-like the unfortunate incident when one of his sisters accidentally killed his pet duck. Yet, growing up in Atlanta also brought joy and adventure. Allen fondly recalled riding his bike to Stone Mountain to leap from the lake bridge and selling Coca-Colas at Georgia Tech football games at Bobby Dodd Stadium.
After graduating from Fulton High School, Allen answered the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Army and deploying to Vietnam. Before leaving, he met Susie Kauffman, a young woman from Pennsylvania who would become the love of his life. Their romance blossomed through handwritten love letters sent across the miles. Allen served honorably, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Good Conduct Medal before his discharge in July 1971. Eager to begin their life together, Allen and Susie married in August 1971 and settled on Boulevard in Atlanta's Grant Park neighborhood.
Their honeymoon in New Orleans must have been memorable, as they welcomed their first son, John David Mealor, in the spring of 1972. A few years later, their second son, Brian Ashley Mealor, joined the family. The couple raised their boys in Douglasville, Georgia, where they were deeply involved in their community, from church activities to Dixie Youth Baseball, Pop Warner Football, and various musical pursuits. During this time, John David became affectionately known as "J.D."-a nickname sparked by either a jersey with limited space or Allen's playful claim that "John David" was too many letters to afford. Allen's devotion to Susie shone brightly during these years. Despite long hours as a pressman at Dittler Brothers in Atlanta, he always made time for his boys, whether coaching their teams or embarking on annual family pilgrimages to Susie's childhood home in South Mountain, Pennsylvania.
In 1986, Allen relocated the family to Gainesville, Georgia, where he worked at Moreno Press, Simon Marketing, and other companies. He remained a steadfast supporter of his sons' endeavors and a devoted husband to Susie. Both J.D. and Brian graduated from Johnson High School, with J.D. earning a degree from West Georgia College in 1996 and Brian achieving a doctorate from the University of Wyoming in 2006. In 1998, Allen welcomed a daughter-in-law, Amy O'Kelley from Ringgold, Georgia, when J.D. married. J.D. and Amy blessed Allen with four grandchildren: Macy Claire, Landon Blaine, Corbin Brooks, and McKinley Belle. In 2004, Brian married Rachel Shorma from Rock Springs, Wyoming, and they expanded the family with four children, affectionately known as the "Wyarno Cowboys": Bracken Augustus, Grady Isaiah, Sawyer Leighton, and Weston Birch. All eight grandchildren lovingly called him "Pappy," a name that captured his warm, playful, and devoted presence in their lives.
Allen's heart of service defined much of his life in Gainesville. A devoted member of Blackshear Place Baptist Church, he loved greeting and welcoming members and visitors with his warm smile, often valet parking cars and assisting people to their seats with care and kindness. His commitment to community extended beyond the church, as he was an enthusiastic campaigner for Sheriff Gerald Couch and Judge John Breakfield, tirelessly supporting their efforts to serve Hall County.
In his later years, Pappy faced the challenges of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's with courage. Throughout this difficult time, Susie's unwavering love and endless encouragement honored him, reflecting the strength of their lifelong bond. Despite his health struggles, Pappy found joy in simple pleasures-taking walks in the fresh Georgia air, cheering at his grandchildren's school and sports events, and hosting his beloved Wyarno Cowboys at his home whenever they could visit, filling those moments with warmth and laughter.
A celebration of his life is scheduled for 2:00 Saturday September 6th at Memorial Park South Funeral Home in Flowery Branch, Georgia. Friends & Family are also invited to visit with the family prior to the service from Noon to 2:00. Flowers are welcome, and gifts in Allen's memory may be made to Northeast Georgia Hospice at www.nghs.com/hospice
Allen leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and service. He is survived by his devoted wife, Susie Kauffman Mealor; his sons, John David "J.D." Mealor (Amy) and Brian Ashley Mealor (Rachel); his eight beloved grandchildren, Macy Claire, Landon Blaine, Corbin Brooks, McKinley Belle, Bracken Augustus, Grady Isaiah, Sawyer Leighton, and Weston Birch; and his sisters, Mary Ruth Merkel, Kathy Griggs, and Doris Anne Cash.

Memorial Park South Funeral Home, 4121 Falcon Parkway, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 is in charge of arrangements. Send on-line condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.