William Royce “Bill” MeadorMay 20, 1933 – January 6, 2019Bill was born in Jayton, Kent County, Texas, to William Martin ‘Whitey’ Meador and Mary Elnora Corder Meador. He graduated from Jal High School in Jal, Lea County, New Mexico in 1951. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and religion from Eastern New Mexico University in 1955 and his Master of Arts degree from Eastern New Mexico University in 1958. Nearly a half century later in 2003, he received a Master of Science degree in political science from Lacrosse University.After college, Bill worked for El Paso Natural Gas Company in the oil fields near Jal, New Mexico. He then became an elementary school teacher in Eunice, New Mexico and later founded Lea Music Company in Hobbs, New Mexico and taught piano lessons to students in a mobile teaching lab that he drove to Jal, Eunice, and Hobbs. He later owned various businesses in Pecos, Reeves County, Texas, including a mining company, trucking company, and battery reclamation plant. He and wife Betty moved to Midland, Texas in 1995, where they resided for the rest of their lives. They were members of First Baptist Church and for several years Bill taught at Midland College.In 2001, Bill published his first book, entitled: Three “Kids” on a Mule, which was followed by Nate’s Edge; Nate’s Redemption, Volumes 1 & II; The Last Hill; The Mystic Medicine Man; Two Gun Edie with a Parasol; The Third Trumpet, Book I, Cornelius the Slave; The Third Trumpet, Book II, Cornelius the Soldier; The Third Trumpet, Book III, Cornelius the Centurion; and The Third Trumpet, Book IV, Cornelius the Christian.Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Meador, and his wife Betty Jean Box Meador.Bill is survived by his three children: daughter Karla Kaye Poe of Albuquerque, New Mexico; son William Allan Meador and wife Emily of Abilene, Texas; son Edwin Lee ‘Sandy’ Meador of Dallas, Texas; seven grandchildren Lauren Shepherd; Holly and husband Luke Harper; William Lewis Meador; Meredith Leigh Meador; Jacob Allan Meador; Paul Poe and wife Julie; and Shannon and husband Doug Hamm; ten great grandchildren; four step-children Karen and husband Donald Brice of Edmond, Oklahoma; Charles Knight Jr and wife Machelle of Dripping Springs, Texas; Suzanne and husband Alan Kupfernagel of New Braunfels, Texas; Michael Knight of Escondido, California; and all their children and grandchildren.Following a private service, Bill will be interred beside his late wife Betty Jean Box Meador near the graves of his parents and grandparents, Harmon and Laura Meador, at Jayton Cemetery near Jayton, Texas within view of the Double Mountains which provided inspiration to he and Betty through their more than 30 years together and found their way into many of the stories he told in his books. The passage below is quoted from the Introduction to Bill’s books about Cornelius from Acts 10:During the research and writing of this story, Cornelius became a close and dear friend to the author. Finally, as you read, Cornelius will become your friend, companion and fellow searcher. If you drink of this cup, like Cornelius and his friends, you will be changed forever. If you drink of this cup, you must drink all of it.The author drank from the sweet cup of salvation long ago, but in these pages, the author, like David the king, found the joy of his salvation restored.”Now, listen for the trumpets!Graveside service will be held on January 19, 2019 at 2:00PM at Jayton Cemetery in Jayton Texas.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,
