Paul Meeks

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Paul Meeks, beloved husband, father, grandfather, businessman, outdoorsman, and man of unwavering faith, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Paul lived a life marked by integrity, generosity, wisdom, and deep devotion to Jesus Christ. He was married to the love of his life, Melonie, and together they built a family that was his greatest joy and proudest legacy.

He is survived by his wife, Melonie Meeks; his children Todd Kennedy (Audrea), Ilar Paul Meeks (Brooke), and twin daughters Jodie and Jennifer; his grandchildren Taylor, Shelby, Sara Elizabeth, Colton, Abigail Sue, Lofton Paul, Charlie, Ellie, and Chelsea (Christhian); great-grandson Thomas; his brother Bob Meeks (Shirley); his sister Lois Besson (Roscoe); and many cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Meeks; his mother, Ethel Hannigan Allen; and his stepfather, James Sims.

To his family, Paul was an incredible role model — steady, wise, and full of grace. He instilled in his children and grandchildren a love for God, a respect for hard work, and a passion for the outdoors. Some of life’s greatest lessons were learned beside him in a deer stand, on a fishing boat, on a golf course, or around a family table listening to his stories and counsel.

Paul was a visionary entrepreneur who turned his love for the outdoors into innovation and built successful businesses including API Outdoors and Great Day, Inc., while also consulting with Bass Pro Shops. His work earned him many honors, including Republican National Committee Businessman of the Year, Louisiana Economic Development Businessman of the Year, induction into the Treestand Hall of Fame, and the 2021 induction into the Legends of the Outdoors Hall of Fame.

But those who knew Paul know his greatest legacy was not in business or awards, but in the lives he touched.

He was a mentor, encourager, and trusted advisor, full of wisdom, good counsel, and quiet generosity. He loved people well.

Paul’s love for the outdoors was inseparable from his love for the Creator. Hunting, fishing, and golf brought him joy, but also drew him close to God. He shared that faith through Christian outdoor ministries across the country and through decades of faithful service at First Baptist Church in Tallulah, where he served as deacon, trustee, Sunday School teacher, finance chairman, and Gideon.

He also served his community through coaching, civic leadership, banking, and 23 years as a commissioner on the Louisiana Fifth District Levee Board. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1971.

To know Paul was to know a man of conviction, humility, humor, and strength — a man who loved deeply, worked tirelessly, and pointed others to Christ.

His legacy lives on in every sunrise hunt, every cast on still water, every lesson passed to a grandchild, and every life shaped by his example.

He was a remarkable man, an incredible father and grandfather, and a faithful servant of God.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Funeral services for Paul will be held Monday, April 27, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Tallulah, Louisiana, with Bro. Jay Parker officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM under the direction of Crothers Glenwood Funeral Home in Tallulah.

Pallbearers will be Johnny McKinney, Joel Strickland, Freddy Ray Franklin, Freddy Gaumnitz, Anthony Moore, Rick Sumners, Steve Gustafson, Lance Osborne, Bob Meeks, and Bully Stapleton. Honorary pallbearers will be Lofton Paul Meeks, Colton Kennedy, and Charlie Meeks.