Joseph Hardin Meadows

1941 - 2025

Joseph Hardin Meadows, beloved father, husband, and friend, passed away on Nov 10th, 2025, in Savannah, GA at the age of eighty-four surrounded by his loved ones. He was born in Pulaski, TN to the late Evelyn Hardin Meadows and David Preston Meadows. He was married to Donna Carr Meadows who survives. Mr. Meadows honorably served his country in the United States Army.

Joe attended Bethel College and earned master's degrees from the University of Georgia and The University of North Georgia. He was a teacher in the Hall County School system in Gainesville, GA for many years, teaching at South Hall Middle School and Johnson High School until retirement.

Joe was a long-time member of Oakwood First United Methodist Church where he and Donna found a supportive faith community in their church family. Joe was well grounded in his faith and gave generously of this time and abilities to Good News at Noon, South Hall Food Pantry, and other mission work of the church. No matter where he was, at home or traveling, early morning usually found Joe in a quiet place, with his coffee, and reading his Upper Room devotion for the day.

Throughout his life, Joe enjoyed the outdoors. Whether as a child on the banks of Indian Creek in Olive Hill, TN where his beloved grandparents lived, or as an adult on a mountain in Nepal, he found it pleasurable to be outside.

Joe and Donna were supporters of Elachee Nature Science Center. Joe was a longtime volunteer at Elachee and was awarded the Volunteer Service Award for his work on the trails.

He was an avid fisherman and found great joy in the many hours spent fishing with his son Andy, with Ossabaw Island, GA their favorite fishin' hole.

Joe found pleasure in many pastimes including reading, birding, gardening and recognized the importance of an afternoon nap. At Christmas time he enjoyed reading the poem Jest 'Fore Christmas by Eugene Field to family and friends and to Donna's 2nd grade classes at Oakwood Elementary.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Earl Meadows; his mother and father-in-law Lorraine and Douglas Carr. He is survived by his wife Donna Carr Meadows, his son and daughter-in-law Andy and Amanda Meadows; his brother and sister-in-law Lee and Dee Dee Meadows, his niece Margaret, her husband Jeff Compton and their daughters Corley, Gracie and Catherine. He leaves behind many longtime friends and cherished cousins - who were a meaningful part of his life.

He left with us a generous and loving spirit, a kind heart, and the rewards of perseverance. We are blessed and grateful to have had this wonderful person in our lives.

Arrangements are underway for services a future date. At the request of the family, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ossabaw Island Foundation.