Maddox, Samuel

Samuel Eaton Maddox of Dothan died Nov. 10 at his home at the age of 88. A service celebrating his life was held Nov. 13 at First Baptist Church, Dothan.

Maddox was born Feb. 26, 1915, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where his parents were Southern Baptist missionaries. After graduating from Georgetown College, Georgetown Ky., Maddox earned a bachelor of divinity and a master of theology from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He was later honored with doctorates from Georgetown College and Howard College (now Samford University).

Maddox served as an army chaplain during World War II. Afterward, he served as pastor of First Baptist Church, Florence, for two years.

Before moving to serve as pastor of First, Dothan, Maddox was secretary of missionary personnel of the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board).

During his nine years in Dothan, Maddox saw the church expand, organized three mission churches and helped start The Haven, Inc. In October 1961, Maddox became pastor of First Baptist Church, St. Joseph, Mo.

Maddox became involved in Baptist life there, serving as president of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Baptist Sunday School Board (now LifeWay Christian Resources).

In March 1981, the Maddox family returned to Dothan. Maddox is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nadine, three sons and their families and two brothers.

(TAB)