Carl Owen Maddox

Carl Maddox passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on August 27th at UNC Rockingham, after having some ongoing health issues the last few months. He was just a few weeks away from celebrating his 93rd birthday. 

Carl was the son of Joseph and Mabel Maddox, and brother to Milton. He was born in Roanoke, Virginia. Carl is survived by his son Charles Elliott Maddox; grandchildren Katie Better (Sean), Elizabeth Cordova (Angel), and Zachary Clover (Gia); and great-grandchildren James Better and another addition arriving later this year. 

Carl attended Duke University on a full football scholarship in 1951, dropping out to be on active duty in the U.S. Marine Corps; he served most of his duty with the 3rd Marine Division in Japan. He later attended VA Tech, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science degree. He enrolled in a three-year Business Training Course at GE, completing it in 1960. He then secured a role in the Corporate Information Services Department with Fieldcrest Mills in Eden, NC. 

Carl’s first marriage was in 1957 to Patricia Ricketts, mother of Vicky; their son Charles was born in July 1958. After living in Philadelphia for a few years, they wanted to return to the South and moved to Eden, NC. They bought a modest home together and a few years later built a larger home, where he lived until his passing. After an amicable divorce in 1965, Carl later married Barbara (Jennings) in Covington, Virginia on April 4, 1970. They had their very first date on May 24, 1969. They both worked at Fieldcrest for many years until retirement. After retiring, they enjoyed many trips together around the world, visiting many countries in Europe. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage together; Barbara passed away on June 30, 2009 after battling lung cancer. 

Carl’s “perfect day” was to sit with Barbara and “work on their puzzles, sudoku, read and such, with an occasional lunch at the Oyster Bar or Crab Trap.” His grandchildren remember visiting them at their Florida and North Carolina homes especially for Thanksgiving, making Bloody Mary’s (for the adults), mashed potatoes and a delicious turkey with all the fixings. Grandpa was partial to true crime shows, the news, and Jeopardy. He would always have a sports game on, especially during football season. 

A memorial service will be held on Sunday September 22, 2024 at The Church of the Epiphany at 3 pm. The Church is handling the service.