When Richard Maddox first came to work at The Alabama Baptist in 2002, he thought it would be temporary.
His wife, Teresa, was editor Bob Terry’s administrative assistant at the time, and she passed along to her husband the news that the company’s IT person was leaving.
“Since I had the particular skill set TAB needed, I approached Dr. Terry and offered to help TAB with its IT needs for about three months while they pursued a replacement,” said Maddox, who also served as the supervisory information technology specialist for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Birmingham.
But once he started working part-time at TAB he realized the company was “limited in resources, and virtually one Mac failing away from not being able to produce the paper.”
He got invested in the situation, and the three months turned into 20 years.
Ministry service
As Maddox gets ready to retire at the end of October, he acknowledged he has “always considered my services to TAB as a ministry for the furtherance of the gospel.”
Over his two decades of service, technology changed rapidly, and in the midst of it, Maddox helped guide TAB to invest in resources and a platform that would keep it up to date. He also learned to “speak Mac,” as his other work was in a PC environment.
“As the IT person, I had the opportunity to work closely with almost all of TAB’s employees through the years,” Maddox recalled. “Many have become friends that will last a lifetime. That has been one of the highlights of my time here.”
He also has been an interim and supply pastor and an instructor for the Ministry Training Institute at Samford University. Before moving to Birmingham in 1999, Maddox was a pastor in Florida for more than 11 years.
Jennifer Davis Rash, TAB Media president and editor-in-chief, said TAB is “going to miss Richard guiding our IT needs and being a part of our daily routine.”
“He built a system that has allowed us to work with confidence as individuals and a team,” Rash added, noting his expertise in IT allowed the rest of the staff to stay focused on their own ministry assignments.
‘Vital part’
“He truly has been a vital part of TAB Media’s efforts to further the gospel,” she continued. “Along with his fearless ability to adapt to each technological advancement and his willingness to make the tough calls when needed, Richard also has inspired, encouraged and taught us on personal levels as well.
“He models pristine integrity, tireless determination and fierce loyalty.”
Rash said Maddox loves to learn and grow and help others in their own development journey.
“He has an amazing ability to teach God’s word and life lessons all within a routine conversation or work-related project,” she explained. “We are confident his investment in those around him will continue as he and Teresa step into this next season of life and ministry.
“I’m blessed to call them both friends and grateful to know we’ll still be part of their lives outside the IT world.”
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