John David Maddox passed away on August 14, 2024 while vacationing with his wife Sue on the Oregon coast. David was born on May 8, 1947 to Ode and Ruby Maddox in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He was predeceased by his parents Ode and Ruby Maddox, brother Edward Maddox, and sister Mary Jo Abernathy. David lived in Arkansas his entire life and graduated from Oden High School in 1965. He earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. While at UofA, David served in the U.S. Army. After receiving his law degree, he moved to Mena where he practiced law. In 1997, his son John David Maddox II joined his law firm, with whom he continued to work until his death. David was extremely active in his community. David was a member of the Lion’s Club. He supported the University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain. He served on the board of the Mena Art Gallery. Over the years, David served on the boards of numerous civic organizations. He was appointed Associate Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. He was elected to the board of Union Bank, where he later became Chairman of the Board. David was a loyal friend and respected businessman in the community. He devoted his life to serving Polk County and the friends and family who lived there with him. Of all his accomplishments and endeavors, he was most proud of his two sons and 10 grandchildren, who affectionately called him Papa. David loved his family immensely. His favorite times were spent with his wife, Sue, their children and spouses and grandchildren at Lake Ouachita, at Razorback games, and during the holidays. He enjoyed traveling, especially with Sue and his family members. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Virginia Sue Maddox; his two sons, John David Maddox II and his wife, Mandy, of Mena, Arkansas; and their two daughters, Madison Maddox of Fayetteville, Arkansas; and Macy Covington and son-in-law, Daegan Covington, of Plain Dealing, Louisiana; Matthew Ode Maddox and his wife, Kay Maddox, of Las Vegas, Nevada; and their three children, Tessa Maddox, Gwyneth Maddox, and Matthew Maddox, of Las Vegas, Nevada; his stepdaughter, Lori Sanders, and her two children, Jackson Sullivan of Dallas, Texas, and Sarah Sullivan of Mena, Arkansas; his stepson, Rob Sanders of Mount Ida, Arkansas; and his daughter, Julia Sanders of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his stepdaughter, Natalie Graumann and Kyle Graumann of Little Rock, Arkansas; and their two children, Cas and Eliza Graumann of Little Rock, Arkansas; his sister, Jaime Godspink of Creswell, Oregon; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. A wake will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Beasley Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 2 p.m. at Christ Community Fellowship Church in Mena, Arkansas. Donations may be made to the University of Arkansas at Rich Mountain Foundation or to Christ Community Fellowship Church. Arrangements are in the hands of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home in Mena. Online obituary available at Beasley-Wood Funeral Home, Mena, Arkansas (beasleywoodfuneralhome.com).
Published August 21, 2024
