John D. Meals,72, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 31, 2018, at his home in Opelika, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred L Meals and Mattie D Jones Meals, and two brothers, Charles and William Meals. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Melinda Elizabeth Rogers Meals; son, John Ryan Meals (Cynthia) of Opelika, Alabama; son, Michael Alan Meals (Hailee) of Medina, Tennessee; grandchildren: Madison, John David, John Jesse and James Meals; and his sister Rebecca Day of Humboldt, Tennessee; and many close relatives. John graduated in 1963 from Gibson High School in Tennessee and then earned a Bachelors degree from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. He taught junior and senior high math and coached track in Huntsville, Alabama. There, John led Grissom High School to a state championship in 1972. He accepted a position as the assistant track and field coach at Auburn University. John received his Masters while at Auburn. John worked for 20 years in the Opelika City School system as teacher, assistant principal, principal of Opelika High School , and assistant superintendent of Opelika City Schools. He also served as headmaster of Lee-Scott Academy from 1992-2000. He was a member of the Board at Indian Pines golf course for several years. John was an active member of First Baptist Church Opelika serving his Lord in many positions and served as Chairman of Deacons. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Opelika on Friday, August 3, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 1:00p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Opelika on Friday, August 3, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 1:00 p.m.