Rural E. Meadors was a native of Franklin County, Virginia, and graduated from Roanoke College in 1935 with a B.S. degree. After college he served for a number of years with the United States Navy as an engineering officer and remained active in the Naval Reserves until his retirement as Commander in 1975.
After the war, he worked for Union Carbine in process development before moving to Dan River, Inc., in the research department. He worked there for 34 years, retiring as the assistant director of research.
Rural faithfully provided leadership and support to his alma mater over the years. He was class chairman, served on the Sections Renovation Committee, was a long-time member of the Associates and was a member of the college's Society of 1842.
Rural also held many leadership positions in civic organizations in his community, was an elder in the Presbyterian Church, and was a dedicated family man and avid gardener.
Rural E. Meadors received the Roanoke College Medal in 1987.