MADDOX, Jr., William Harry (Bill), age 86, passed away Thursday, August 24, 2023, in Richmond, VA, where he resided with Dorothy (Thompson Hunt) Maddox, his devoted wife of 17 years. Bill was born in Atlanta, GA, on August 12, 1937, the only child of William Harry and Oveta (Titshaw) Maddox, Sr. At age seven, he moved to Jacksonville, FL, where he lived until retirement.

Bill graduated from Robert E. Lee Senior High School in 1955. He earned a degree in journalism in 1960 from the University of Florida where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. His high school and college classmates knew Bill as a talented musician and leader of several gigging bands. In 1983, Bill completed an MBA at Jacksonville University. He worked his way up in the family business to become CEO of Florida Wilbert, Inc., the highest-producing Wilbert franchise for many years.

Bill was particularly proud of his service in the US Coast Guard Reserve. There he served from 1958 to 1997 and achieved the rank of Captain. He was responsible for bringing the USCGC Barque Eagle (tall ship) to Jacksonville for a public visit in 1985. Bill was further involved in the community as a deacon at Riverside Baptist Church, a Scottish Rite Mason, a Shriner in the Morocco Temple, and a member of the Royal Order of Jesters. In 1976, Bill was Potentate of Morocco Temple.

Bill was an exceptional journalist who contributed to and edited organizational publications, including The Moroccan. (He is certainly critiquing this document from heaven.) In his personal life, Bill enjoyed boating, golfing, motor-homing, and supporting the UF Gators and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Bill is survived by his children, William H. Maddox, III, of Cupertino, CA, and Elizabeth Maddox (Michael) Harrington of St. Augustine, FL, his bonus children, Chad Hunt of Lenexa, KS, and Leah Hunt (Jeremy) Ball of Richmond, VA, his grandchildren, William Harrington and Laura Harrington, and his bonus grandchildren, Adelyn Hunt, Brittany Hunt, Julia Ball, and Jack Ball. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his best friend, Lamar Veal.

Bill impacted numerous lives and is sorely missed, especially by his cherished wife, Dorothy. She tirelessly cared for him, during his long illness, with an upbeat attitude and tremendous gratitude for the joy they brought to each other. The Ball family, who wholeheartedly embraced Bill, is suffering the loss of one of their own. They were a godsend to Bill in his later years. Bill’s absence leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his children, William and Elizabeth, who were blessed with years of guidance and support and a lifetime of loving memories.

Visitation and a funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, on Saturday, September 2, at Corey-Kerlin Funeral Home, 940 Cesery Blvd., in Jacksonville. Burial will immediately follow at Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 N. Main St.

If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to Prelude Chamber Music Camp to help fund student scholarships (https://preludechambermusic.org/supportus/donate or 1650 Margaret St., Ste. 302 #337, Jacksonville, FL 32204-3869)

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com

OXLEY-HEARD FUNERAL DIRECTORS