Joe Maddox, Jr

Shelby: Joe Maddox, 81, of 917 Frederick Street peacefully transitioned on June 16, 2026, at his residence

Mr. Joe Maddox, Jr.
Sunrise: July 3, 1944 Sunset: June 16, 2026
Mr. Joe Maddox, Jr., 81, of Shelby, North Carolina, was born to the late Joe Maddox, Sr. and Lessie
Beasley Maddox. Surrounded by his loving family and pastor, he peacefully transitioned from his earthly
home to his eternal heavenly home on June 16, 2026.

Joe was a proud graduate of Camp High School, Class of 1962. Following graduation, he was briefly
employed as a school bus mechanic before answering the call to serve his country by enlisting in the
United States Air Force. As an aircraft mechanic, he faithfully served during the Vietnam War and was
honorably discharged in 1966.

Soon after returning home, Joe met the love of his life, Mary Louise Sanders, and the two were united in
holy matrimony, beginning a lifelong journey of love and partnership.

Following his military service, Joe embarked on a distinguished career in the trucking industry that
spanned more than five decades. Throughout the years, he worked for several companies, including
Thomas & Howard, Dedmon Trucking, Overnite Transportation, and Baldwin Trucking. Eventually, he
fulfilled his dream of becoming an owner-operator and established JL Maddox Trucking. After more than
50 years on the road, Joe retired and enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, including caring for the many
stray cats and dogs that found their way into his yard.

Joe's faith journey began when he was baptized in his thirties at First Baptist Church of Lawndale under
the leadership of Rev. Lucas. As he grew in his Christian walk, he was ordained as a deacon at New
Glovers Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Nathaniel Crosby. He later became a charter
member and faithful deacon of Canaan Memorial Baptist Church, serving under the leadership of Rev. Dr.
Robert E. DeVoe. In his later years, he united with First Baptist Church of Earl, where he was reordained
as a deacon under the leadership of Pastor Randy Thurman and continued serving God and His people
with dedication and humility.
Joe was a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. In addition to being preceded in death by
his parents, he was preceded by his siblings, Joyce Maddox Thomas Smith, Joel Maddox Jackson, Joan
Maddox, Lillian “Ann” McCluney and Mary Louise Maddox Fowler; bother in-laws: Amon Jonah (AJ)
Sanders, Terry Dean Sanders; sister in law: Violet Ree Sanders Michael.
He leaves behind to cherish his devoted, helpful, and comical memory, his wife of almost 60 years, Mary
Louise Maddox of Shelby, NC; two sons, David Maddox (Angie) of Luther, OK, and Joey Jerome Maddox
(Pamela) of Shelby, NC; one daughter, Les’Artelia Maddox of Shelby, NC; brother, Johnny Louis Maddox
of Los Angeles, California; brother in-laws: Raymond G. McCluney of Shelby, NC, and Wilbert Sanders of
Shelby, NC; sister in-laws: Retener Esther Sanders Tate of Shelby, NC, Regina Ann Sanders Woods
(JW) of Shelby, NC. Grandchildren: Joey Jerome Maddox, II of Shelby, NC, Jeremiah Jevon Maddox
(Tyreka) of Charlotte, NC; David Maddox, II, Dana Maddox, DeAnna Maddox, Katie Maddox, Dillon
Maddox, and Macy Norwood all of Luther, OK; eight great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews,
including a special great great-nephew, Aydan James (AJ) Mitchell and his nana, Pam Mitchell.
Joe will be remembered for his strong work ethic, unwavering faith, love for his family, service to his
country, his creative story telling that made us laugh, and compassion for both people and animals.
His life stands as a testament to perseverance, commitment, and devotion to God.

Public Viewing: Monday, June 22, 2026 at Genesis Funeral Services & Chapel in the Otis Mobley Memorial Chapel from 4pm to 6pm

Service: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 3pm at First Baptist of Earl; the family will receive friends 30 mins prior to the service

Burial: Church Cemetery

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