Dr. Kenneth Hunter Meadows
Nov 18, 1931 - Jan 19, 2026
Dr. Kenneth Hunter Meadows lived a truly good and full life.
Dr. Meadows passed away on Monday, January 19th, 2026, at the age of 94.
Born November 18th, 1931 in Spring Creek, North Carolina to Hardy Francis Meadows and Georgia Hunter Meadows, Ken entered the world already making an impression. Family legend has it he weighed an impressive 13 pounds at birth, a chubby baby by any standard. As a boy, he spent countless hours outdoors exploring woods and creeks with his brother, Van, and sister, Frances, building a lifelong love for nature and independence.
He valued education deeply, attending Mars Hill College and then the University of North Carolina, where he completed dental school in 1957. After graduation, he moved to Winston-Salem, North Carolina and joined the dental practice of Riley Spoon. He was a gentle, kind, and well-respected dentist who earned the loyalty and admiration of his patients.
His life was not complete until he met Lynn Feathers. It was love at first date, they danced the night away and never looked back. Ken and Lynn were married on a Wednesday in November of 1962, at the Chapel at Wake Forest University. They were married for 63 years.
Together, Lynn and Ken built a beautiful life, raising three children, Marla, Amy, and Hunter. Ken was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a steady provider. A man of strong character and traditional values, his greatest focus was always caring for his family and ensuring his children received a quality education.
Ken was also an extraordinary G'Dad to his five grandchildren, Graham, Logan, Maddie, Harrison, and Everly, who brought him endless joy. He was a quiet leader, deeply loving, always present, and occasionally capable of delivering the unmistakable "Meadow's look" when something did not meet his approval. Though reserved and private, he felt deeply and found his greatest happiness simply being with his family, especially Lynn, whom he rarely wanted out of his sight as the years went on.
Ken's passions were clear and unwavering:
Family: Providing for his family was a source of great pride. He gave them stability, opportunity, and confidence, shaping not only their lives but the generations that followed.
Dogs: Ken often joked that he loved dogs more than people, and anyone who knew him believed it. Toto, Biz, Berg, Cassie, and Bear were loyal companions, thoroughly spoiled and deeply loved.
Golf: Ken was a skilled golfer, and the game was a lifelong passion. Playing with him meant no unnecessary practice swings, a steady pace of play, and absolutely no shadows crossing his putting line. He shared his love of golf with his kids and especially with his grandson Graham. Graham often says that G'Dad gave him the "gift of golf," enriching his life and friendships forever. Ken played until the very end, still hitting balls on November 3rd, balance failing but swing intact.
The Lake House: His querencia, his peaceful place. The sunsets, the shimmering water, the stillness of evening. It was a place of unforgettable memories: swimming, skiing, fishing, boating, jet skiing, dance parties on the deck, and early mornings that always included a newspaper and ham biscuits. One favorite sunset lived on in a framed photo in his office until retirement.
Carolina Basketball. A Tar Heel through and through, Ken never missed a detail, faithfully reading the "Poop Sheet" and following every season. He witnessed legends: Michael Jordan, Phil Ford, James Worthy, Sam Perkins, and watched every game with passion and colorful commentary.
Above all, Ken was a good man. A role model. A provider. A steady presence. His family is endlessly grateful for his life and all of the cherished memories.
He is survived by his wife, Lynn; his children, Marla (Graham), Amy (Frank), Hunter (Ashley); and his grandchildren, Graham, Logan, Maddie, Harrison and Everly. The family would like to also acknowledge the many extended family members who meant so much to Ken. We are so grateful for you.
At Ken's request, there will not be a formal service. A memorial gathering to celebrate his life will be held at Forsyth Country Club on Thursday, January 29th, between 3 and 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Forsyth Humane Society at
https://forsythhumane.org/ or to the ASPCA at
https://www.aspca.org/, honoring his lifelong love and compassion for animals. Condolences may be shared online at
www.salemfh.com.
Salem Funeral & Cremation Service
2951 Reynolda Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27106
Published by Winston-Salem Journal on Jan. 25, 2026.