ALLAN EDWARDS MEADORS,
died October 12, 2021, at St. Vincent’s Infirmary and Arkansas Hospice surrounded by family. He was born in Conway, Ark., on January 10, 1932, to the late A.J. Meadors and Ruth Dean Meadors. He was predeceased by his grandparents, A.J. Meadors, Saphroina Meadors, James R. Edwards, Bessie Edwards and his beloved wife of 55 years, Joanne Breitzke Meadors. He is survived by his children, Dr. Frederick A. Meadors (Dr. Carol), Elizabeth Chase Stover (David), and Andrew B. Meadors (Susan), two grandsons, Michael Kricfalusi (Tania), Dr. Steven F. Meadors (Dr. Kevan Beth), two granddaughters, Alexandra Kricfalusi (Jon Findley), Natalie Meadors, brother John M. Meadors (Joyce) and sister Mary Dean Mainord (James). He is also survived by four great grandchildren, Elizabeth Scarlett Meadors, Tucker Steven Meadors, Madeleine Chase Kricfalusi, and Tucker Hoff.
He graduated from Morrilton High School and the University of Central Arkansas, where his grandfather served as the first Dean, in 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He went on active duty with the Navy and served during the Korean War. He returned to Arkansas in 1955, where he went to work with the insurance company USF&G. His contributions to Little Rock began in earnest when he was asked to participate in executive training at the company’s home office in Baltimore. With his eldest son on the way, he declined, setting his sights on home, and working for himself. He moved to the insurance agency of Commercial National Bank in 1957 and was invited by the McLean family to join the Board of Directors in 1960.
On July 1, 1964, he purchased the agency assets from Commercial National Bank, merging with Warren Baldwin. In 1983, he merged with Jimmy Adams, forming Meadors & Adams, Inc. His son Andrew Meadors joined the agency in 1987 and became a Principal in 1999. Roberts Lee became a Principal in 2005, forming Meadors Adams & Lee, Inc. He was featured in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette’s High Profile on July 5, 2009, the same year his agency celebrated its 100th anniversary. He attributed its longevity to two convictions: passion for business and personal ownership. In 2015 he was honored to be named a member of the Inaugural class of the Arkansas Insurance Hall of Fame.
Allan was shaped by his close relationship with his grandfather, A.J. Meadors. “I got a lot of my character from him,” he said. “He was fair minded, educated, believed in fair play and integrity, was very religious but never showed off, and sought to treat all people equal.” These principals guided him throughout his life. He joined Trinity Cathedral in Little Rock in 1966 and served the institution with distinction. He was a member of the Trinity Foundation Board, four times a member of the Vestry, was Treasurer and Chairman of the Finance Committee, every member canvass Chairman four times, a Delegate to the Dioceses Convention, and co-chairman with his wife Joanne for the Arkansas National Cathedral Association. His proudest moment came in 2002, when he carried the Arkansas flag high on Arkansas Day at Washington National Cathedral. He was overjoyed to honor not just his state, but the memory of his mother’s family, who had lived in southern Arkansas since before the Civil War.
He was equally committed to enriching the community he loved so dearly, particularly through symphony, which thrilled his soul. He was a member of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Board and served as Vice President of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Foundation Board. He also served as President and Chairman of the Board for United Way, co-Chairman of the United Way Annual Fund Drive; on the Board of First Commercial Bank, now Regions Bank, for 32 years; the Board of YMCA and Florence Crittenton Home; the Board of Independent Agents of Arkansas; and the Board of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of the Little Rock Country Club and an avid golfer.
He was eternally grateful for his beloved wife Joanne, children, and grandchildren, and all the blessings he received. He was the rare man who was always happy to see you; always willing to lend a hand. And he leaves behind an indelible legacy: He made a difference in the lives of all those around him. He fought a good fight and kept the faith. The family wishes to thank the caring staff at The Bob Shell Memory Center at Parkway Village, St. Vincent’s Infirmary and Arkansas Hospice. The family also wishes to thank Johnnie House and Ann Lowe for their dedicated years of help and service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral or Washington National Cathedral, 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20016. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Ruebel Funeral Home. The funeral will be Monday, October 18, 2021, at 10:30 a.m., at Roselawn Memorial Park, Little Rock, Arkansas.