Maddox praised for leadership, service to community

Jun. 7—CAIRO — One of southwest Georgia's most dedicated public servants is being remembered for the impact he had on the community and on the state.

Dr. Gene Maddox died Friday at Archbold Memorial Hospital. He was 88 years old.

Maddox, a veterinarian by profession, also served in the Georgia House of Representatives.

"Like so many, I will miss Dr Maddox," said state Rep. Darlene Taylor (R-Thomasville). "He was a loving husband, father and friend. He has been such a larger than life part of South Georgia. Personally, I am grateful for his leadership and special caring for the community. We worked together in the legislature to move South Georgia forward. He will be missed."

During his eight years in the General Assembly, Maddox served on the House Committee on Health and Human Services, Economic Development and Tourism, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Retirement and Human Relations and Aging.

A graduate of Jackson High School, Maddox attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and earned his doctor of veterinary medicine from the University of Georgia.

He was named the veterinarian of the year in 2006, the 2009 University of Georgia Distinguished Alumni, given the Community Service Award by the Grady County Chamber of Commerce in 2005.

A portion of Highway 112 in Grady County was renamed Representative "Doc" Gene Maddox Highway in his honor.

He is survived by wife Patsy, four sons and three daughters-in-law, 10 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and his brother Dulane.