Col. John Hayes Maddox , USA, Ret.

John Hayes Maddox, Sr., Colonel, USA, Retired - born August 20, 1921 to John Matthew and Katie Belle Nichols Maddox of Andalusia, Alabama passed into paradise from his home in Mobile on May 4, 2011. John grew up in Andalusia. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior and was a charter member of Liberty Home Baptist Church. He played football at Andalusia High School, graduated in 1939 and won a football scholarship to Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University. While attending Auburn he met and married the love of his life, “Ruthie”, the former Ruth Prentiss of Montgomery. They were married 63 years and have three children. John left Auburn early to serve his country in WWII. In September 1943, he was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army and saw action in Germany, France and Austria. After the war he returned to Auburn and completed his BS degree. Throughout their lives, his and Ruthie’s love for music and dance was surpassed only by their love for Auburn. In 1948 he returned to active duty and remained a career Army officer until his retirement in 1973. His military career took him to Ft. Benning, GA, Korea (during the Korean Conflict), Ft. Sill, OK, Ft. Leavenworth, KS, Upper Heyford RAFB, England, Keesler AFB, Biloxi, MS, two tours in Germany and two tours at the Pentagon. His last assignment was in Mobile, AL, where he was the first Professor of Military Science at the University of South Alabama. From 1973 until 1982 Col. Maddox was in business with his brother, Kenneth R. Maddox at R&S Materials in Montgomery. In 1982 he joined the University of South Alabama’s Administration. He served in the office of the Executive Director of Operations and Facilities until his retirement in 1992. Col. Maddox was a long-standing member of Kiwanis. He served as President of West Mobile Kiwanis Club in 1984 and as Alabama’s Kiwanis Governor in 1991 and 1992. At the end of his term, he and Mrs. Maddox both received the prestigious Hixson Award for distinguished service. He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of: Blue Lodge, Montgomery, AL, Scottish Rite Mason, Columbus, GA and Mobile York Rite Masonic Bodies. He was a life member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, Auburn University Alumni Association and Auburn University Letterman’s Club. He was a member of Dauphin Way Baptist Church for thirty-three years. He was instrumental in the success and growth of the Boys and Girls Club of Mobile and was an active member of their Board of Directors for many years. He was Director of Military Affairs for the Mobile Chamber of Commerce, a member of MOAA, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Artillery Hall of Fame and a recipient of numerous military medals, campaign ribbons and badges. John Maddox loved his God, his family and his country. He was a patriot, an officer and a gentleman and exemplified the definition of the “Greatest Generation”. As a dynamic leader, decision maker and communicator he was able to encourage and motivate others by word and example. Each challenge he encountered was stamped “Mission Accomplished”. He was a “man’s man”, but always displayed the kind and caring character of his humble Christian upbringing and family values. Like his father, he never met a stranger. Consequently, he rarely went anywhere without seeing someone he knew or who knew him with his trademark Stetson hat. Because John Maddox lived, the world is a better place! We thank Dr. Alton James and his staff and the staff of Odyssey Hospice for their empathetic responses to our father’s every need. We thank his caregivers who have loved and cared for “Papa John” like their own father. We will always remember their kindness, compassion and Christian ministry to him. Col. Maddox is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Maddox, his parents Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Maddox, a sister, Mrs. Sally Ballard Edson (Wallace) and a brother, Mr. Glen Maddox (Treva). Survivors include his three children, Kay Kendrick (Bill), Foley, AL, John H. Maddox, Jr., (Kathy), Nashville, TN, Valerie Patterson (Pat), Mobile, AL; 9 grandchildren, John Kendrick (Donna), Taylor Kendrick (Angela), Heather White (Lloyd), Crystal Grantham (Randie), Joy Spruell (Jason), John H. Maddox, III (Jessica), Sabrina Yarema (Mark), Christina Campfield (Shawn), Chad Patterson (Brooke); 15 great grandchildren, Noah Kendrick, Bethany and Jonathan Kendrick, Catherine, William, Julia and Mitchell Grantham, Nathan and London Spruell, Heather Brielle Maddox, Dylan Yarema, Clayton and Cameron Shaw, Peerce and Mia-Tilar Patterson; two sisters, Mrs. Margaret Edwards (Grey) Holly Hills, NC, Mrs. Emma Jean Peacock (Curtis) Auburn, AL; three brothers, Mr. James B. Maddox (Barbara) Valdosta, GA, Mr. Kenneth R. Maddox (Joann) Wetumpka, AL, Mr. William R. Maddox, Valdosta, GA; two sister-in-laws, Mrs. Sarah Fain (Clyde, Jr.) Montgomery, AL, Mrs. Mary Louise Matthews (Bill), Beaumont, TX and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Visitation and services will be held Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Liberty Home Baptist Church, Andalusia, Alabama. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. with funeral services immediately following at 3:00 p.m. Col. Maddox’s grandson, Reverend Taylor W. Kendrick will conduct services. The pianist will be his granddaughter, Crystal Maddox Grantham and the soloist will be his nephew, John Winston Edwards. Interment will be at Andalusia Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors. Pallbearers will be John Kendrick, John Maddox, III, Chad Patterson, Bill Maddox, Grey Edwards, Jr., Randie Grantham and Lloyd White, Jr. Flowers may be sent or donations given to Liberty Home Baptist Church, 22595 Alabama Highway 55, Andalusia, Alabama 36420. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.Arrangements by Radney Funeral Home, 3155 Dauphin Street, Mobile, Alabama 36606.