Jesse Cordell Maddox

Dr. J. Cordell Maddox (Grubby), 86, of Jefferson City TN, died July 22, 2018, surrounded by his family. Dr. Maddox was born to Jesse and Esther Maddox in LaGrange, Georgia, on December 30, 1931. After graduating from Lagrange High School in 1950, he attended Furman University on an athletic scholarship. While at Furman Cordell studied religion and English to prepare for the ministry. He went on to a long career of selfless Christian service. In addition to his studies, he lettered in three sports—football, tennis, and baseball. In 1986 he was inducted into the Furman University Athletic Hall of Fame. He was affectionally known as “Iron Man Maddox” because he played multiple college sports—sometimes on the same day. He was a strong student, participated in ROTC, and was an All-American athlete in both football and tennis. In his junior year at Furman he met Brona Faye Morefield, his future wife of 62 years. After receiving his Master’s degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Maddox served as South Carolina Director for the Royal Ambassadors, Vice-President for Development at Furman University, and President of Anderson College (now University). In 1977 Dr. Maddox became the President of Carson-Newman University and served the college for 22 years. Throughout his life and ministry, he received numerous honorary degrees and awards for his work in Christian higher education and touched many lives through his college leadership. Dr. Maddox is preceded in death by his wife, Brona Maddox. He is survived by his four children: Cordell Maddox Jr. (Donna), Mike Maddox (Julie), Brian Maddox (Ericka), and Gayle Maddox Beaudet (Bob), and his thirteen grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren (Ian, Jess, Whit, Chris, Brett, Caitlin, Matt, Hunter, Steven, Will, Garland, Alec, Molly, Jackson and Henry). A service will be held to honor Dr. Cordell Maddox on Saturday, July 28th at First Baptist Church of Jefferson City. The family will hold a visitation from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the church with a memorial service to follow. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Maddox Scholarship at Carson-Newman University or to First Baptist Church, Jefferson City, TN. Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN 865-475-3892 .