Alan Dale Cameron

Dr. Alan Dale Cameron was born on April 28, 1940, in Wesson, Arkansas. He died in the comfort of his home, in Minden, Louisiana, on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Alan was preceded in death by his parents, Alvis Henry and Annie Pearl McDonald Cameron of Smackover, Arkansas, his brother, Donald Cameron of Haynesville, Louisiana, and his step-daughter, Jamie McCoy Averitt, of Haughton, Louisiana.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sharon Easterling Cameron of Minden, three daughters, Christi Ann Cameron Owen and husband, David, of Minden, Mary Ashley Cameron Hamlin and husband, David, of Springhill, Louisiana, and Alexis Brooke Cameron Barnes and husband, Burt, of Celina, Texas, and sister, Saralyn Cameron Ontis and husband Earl of Smackover, Arkansas.

Alan’s legacy continues in the lives of his grandchildren, Brittany Owen and husband, Alex, of Youngsville, Louisiana, Cameron Owen of New Orleans, Louisiana, Hayden Frye and wife, Jessica, of Bossier City, Louisiana, Marshal Frye and wife, Madeline, of Fairhope, Alabama, Bryson Barnes of Celina, Texas, and step-granddaughter Megan Averitt Teutsch and husband, Hunter, of Ringgold, Louisiana. His blessings continue with five great grandchildren, Quinn Hoover, Gabe Hoover, Emmalyn Frye, Mason Frye, and Anniston Frye.

He was loved by an extended family of step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews, along with a host of close friends.

Alan gave his heart to Jesus as an early age at First Baptist Church of Smackover. He loved the Lord, studying His word, and serving Him. He gave his talents in service as a Sunday school teacher and deacon. He shared the love of Jesus on numerous mission trips from Angola prison to Costa Rica, supported foreign missionaries, and was a member of Gideons International. He was most currently a member at First Baptist Church, of Minden.

Alan was a life-long learner. He graduated in 1958 from Smackover High School, and after joining the Army Reserves and completing basic training at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, he attended and graduated from Louisiana Tech University. From there, he achieved a doctorate degree in veterinary medicine at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. In 1967, he graduated and moved his young family to Minden, to intern with Dr. Tom Alley. He later worked alongside Dr. Wilkins, bought the practice, and founded Cameron Veterinary Hospital. His pursuit of excellence and continued education defined his practice at Cameron Veterinary Hospital for over 50 years. Here, he served many devoted clients, caring for their animals, large and small.

As a small business owner, Alan demonstrated an active life of community service, and was an avid supporter of other local small businesses. He was an active member of the Lions Club since 1970, and was a past member of the Jaycee’s, Minden Tennis and Aquatic Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. He supported various Minden High School sporting events, and held season football tickets for decades, two of which he was a proud Louisi-Anne Dad and Granddad. He also cheered his grandchildren in their pursuits in football, baseball, softball, and swimming. 

Alan was known for the pride he felt in his Scottish heritage. This interest was peaked on a trip to Scotland in the 1980’s, when he attended an international veterinary convention. He discovered a great love for genealogy and Scottish Highland Cattle. In the early 1990’s he purchased his farm outside of Minden, and developed the beautiful Scotland Farms of Louisiana. Here he raised registered Scottish Highland Cattle, a novelty breed, at the time in our area. These uniquely beautiful creatures were the beginnings of numerous herds, sought by and sold to many throughout the south. He was blessed to attend the International Highland Cattle Meeting in New Zealand with the Highland Cattle Association of North America. Alan felt it important to share his knowledge of his Scottish heritage with his family and community. He became a co-founder of the Scottish Society of the Louisiana Highlands in November of 1995. He founded the Annual Tartan Festival, which he hosted on his farm for 20 years. He traveled back to Scotland on two other occasions, highlighted by the 2009 International Clan Cameron Gathering

Though his work, church, farm, and family required tireless hours, Alan enjoyed several hobbies. He loved to bass fish, ever chasing the elusive “double-digit” bass in Jonesboro’s Caney Lake, and quail hunting on leases in West Texas and Kansas. He hosted many family members and friends on these hunts, few of whom could keep up with him, and his highly skilled bird dogs, through the brush. He loved the outdoors, but also found joy in competition badminton. This Senior Olympian won numerous medals in state and national tournaments.

Alan was a unique man, with unique talents and pursuits. He lived, learned, and loved big, with big ideas and a tenacity and work ethic to bring them to reality. This larger than life persona earned him the name, “Big Granddaddy”. His legacy lives in his beloved spouse, his daughters, and his grandchildren.

Though we are sad today, we claim Psalm 30:5. “…joy comes in the morning.” Until we meet again…

A visitation will be Sunday, July 28, 2024, 5:00 until 7:00 p.m.at Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana with funeral services Monday, July 29, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Minden, Louisiana with Bro. Steve Gilley officiating. Interment will follow at Rocky Mount Cemetery in Ringgold, Louisiana under the direction of Rose Neath Funeral Home in Minden, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Holy Angels School, 10450 Ellerbe Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71106.