Gerald Allen Meacham

Gerald Allen Meacham, 73, of Batesville died Monday, April 14, 2014 at White River Medical Center in Batesville. Born November 23, 1940 in Batesville, he was the son of Homer Meacham and Mabel Morris Meacham. He owned and operated Meacham Packing Company for over 50 years. Gerald was on the board at White River Medical Center, was a former Independence County Quorum Court Member, and served in the National Guard. He was an avid golfer and loved the Razorbacks. He had a kind heart, was very generous and always wanted to help those in need. He loved and enjoyed spending time with his family and his dog, Benji. He was a member and former deacon of the First Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Beth Mays Meacham of Batesville; one son, Bart Meacham and his wife, Stephanie, of Tampa, Florida; one daughter, Betsy Meacham of Little Rock, Arkansas; one grandchild, Bryce Parker Meacham of Tampa, Florida; one brother, Morris Meacham of Maumelle, Arkansas, and 18 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Virginia Gardner and Barbara Atkinson. The family wishes to express gratitude to the doctors and staff at the White River Medical Center especially Dr. Doug Bernard, his nurse Leann Tharp and the doctors and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit. A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 18, 2014, at the First Baptist Church in Batesville with Bro. Stacy Reed officiating. The family will welcome friends for visitation in the church fellowship hall immediately following. Interment is private. Memorials may be made to the White River Medical Center Foundation, P.O. Box 2197, Batesville, Ark. 72503; First Baptist Church, 610 E. Main Street, Batesville, Ark. 72501; Old Independence County Regional Museum, 380 S. 9th Street, Batesville, Ark. 72501; Independence County Library, 368 E. Main Street, Batesville, Ark. 72501; and Lyon College, P.O. Box 2317, Batesville, Ark. 72503. Arrangements are by Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.