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James Edward Maddox Jr.

James Edward Maddox Jr., sometimes known as Wormy, Papa, Uncle Bud/Bud, and even by his proper name, James, was born on April 25, 1931 in Cleveland Memorial Hospital in Shelby, NC. He passed away on June 27, 2021 in Baptist Medical Center South in Jacksonville, FL.

He was blessed to be on this earth for 90 years and 64 days. During his long life, he was blessed with the opportunity to influence, guide, and nurture many, many lives.

Bud, as he was most commonly called, was the 4th of 12 children born to James Henry and Gertrude Young Maddox. His early life was one of hard work and no nonsense while growing up on a farm. Due to the fact of the financial strain of his parents having a large family, and the political and racial tensions in America at that time, he quickly developed a strong opinion on a variety of different topics. He carried this mindset throughout his entire life. To James, everything was black and white, there were no shades of grey. This established the building blocks of him being a future strong leader in the church, a member of the auxiliary police force, as well as on the planning board of Cleveland County, and an active member of the NAACP.

James met the love of his life, Earsley Claudine Huddleston, at Shoal Creek Elementary school, at the age of 6. Their school was a two room, wooden building, that housed all grades from 1st through 7th. Ironically, it was the very first day of school that Claudine caught James' eye. The twinkle in his eye, by the mention of her name, never diminished as the years marched on. Theirs was a never ending love. They married promptly after graduating from Camp High School on July 6, 1952. Their marriage lasted an unbelievable 68 years. From the years of 1953 to 1958, they were blessed with three beautiful children, a daughter, Enola Gay, and two sons, James Christopher and Alvin Navon.

During high school, James was a gifted athlete. He enjoyed playing basketball as a point guard, and did so at such a high level that he helped his team to the high school state finals. College was a distant ambition but a dream not obtainable, due to his family financial situation.

After leaving high school, one of his first jobs was delivering furniture for a repair store in Shelby, NC. Work was hard to come by after WWII, for a young black man in the South, as racial tensions were high. Later he worked at Lily Mill Thread factory. In 1954 James graduated from the National Radio Institute with a degree in electronics. This eventually segued him into becoming an electrician. Shortly thereafter, he worked for Fiber Industries in Earl, NC for many years. Being a quick learner and fast on his feet, his skill set developed to a higher level, while being employed with Fiber. This would later motivate James to start his own business repairing household appliances.

As time continued, their only daughter, Enola and her husband, Artis, were busy growing their own family. Being a young mother, Enola, needed help. So James and his wife, Claudine, decided to pack up and move to San Antonio, TX and then later Jacksonville, FL, to assist in the raising of the grandchildren. This selfless act from both Papa and Momo showed their commitment to family and its importance. One of the benefits from this selfless act produced a strong bond with all the grandchildren during their formative years which lasted his entire life.

Early in 1992, James made the decision to return to Shelby, NC to be closer with his brothers and sisters. He enjoyed working on projects around his home and every year planting a seasonal garden. The garden was a sense of pride providing him with some of his favorite fruits and vegetables and granted him the opportunity to spend time with his grandchildren harvesting the bounties.

In the later years of James' life, his sons, Christopher and Alvin, accepted the responsibility of taking a more active role in running the family businesses. Both of his sons were hands on in different capacities.

James was a member of the Tryon Masonic Lodge #8. He was also a deacon, a trustee, and president of the usher board for Shoal Creek Baptist Church, collectively for over 70 years.

Family, being the most important factor in his life, James was instrumental and hands on with the annual Maddox Family Reunion each year. This was a source of great pride and joy for him. This enabled him to reunite with old and new family members. He even hosting the annual Friday night Fish Fry in his backyard on several occasions. It is typically a three day event of good food, laughter, and fellowship.

In closing, to summarize the life of James Edward Maddox Jr., his life was one centered on Love, Family, and most

importantly GOD. His core values never wavered. What you saw, was what you got. Everyone was treated the same, with love, compassion, and respect. His life was a long life, well lived. James Edward Maddox Jr., you will be missed but never ever forgotten.

He is preceded in death by his wife Earsley Claudine Huddleston Maddox, Five brothers, Willie Maddox Sr. (Pecola), Calvin, John Maddox Sr. (Hiawatha), Floyd Maddox, and Joseph Maddox; two sisters, Carrie Debreaux (Grover), and Lillie Degree; one granddaughter Priya Doreen Gilmore-Matthews.

He is survived by his daughter, Enola Gay Maddox Gilmore (Artis) of Jacksonville, FL; two sons, Alvin Navon Maddox and James Christopher Maddox of Shelby, NC; two brothers, Franklin Maddox (Margie) of Shelby, NC and Henry Maddox (Doris) of Franklin, MA; two sisters, Ann Parker (the late James) and Dorothy Upshaw (Tony) of Shelby, NC; two sisters-in-law, Betty Maddox and Carolyn Maddox; 7 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The funeral service for Mr. Maddox will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 1:00 at Shoal Creek Baptist Church. He can be viewed from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the church. Burial will take place at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the Maddox Family would like people to consider donating to the Gofund me set up to benefit his great-grandchildren (children of the late Mrs. Priya Doreen Gilmore-Matthews). The link is https://www.gofundme.com/priyas-legacy-mia-mark-payton. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements


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