J. Albert Maddox

Life’s ReflectionsJ. Albert Maddox was born on December 24, 1921 at 911 Druid Hill Avenue in Baltimore, Maryland, the son of the late Gabriel Baxton Maddox, Sr. and Mamie Walls Maddox. He was the youngest of six children; his siblings were Mildred (who passed before Al’s arrival), Myrtle, Gabriel Jr., Ruth and Francis.Approximately fourteen months after his birth, his mother was called to her eternal rest. Following this loss, his father continued to raise his family (without remarrying) for the next twenty-four years until his death in 1945. All the while, Gabriel B. Maddox, Sr. operated the Maddox Printing Company which he established in 1907.At five years of age, Al entered P. S. #122, located on the 500 block of Preston Street (one of the first public schools in Baltimore constructed for “colored” children). In February of 1940, Al graduated from Frederick Douglass High School.About that time, there entered into his life the “prettiest girl in all of Baltimore” (his words), Letitia Short. Their loving relationship lasted over sixty years.Al worked at Glenn L. Martin Aircraft Plant until the spring of 1943 — the call to arms. After a stint in the service he was discharged with the rank of Sergeant in 1946.April 24, 1946 was the day which brought “Al and Tish” together as man and wife. 1946 was also the year that he decided to follow the graphic arts trade. Joining with Gabe Jr. and Frank, they tried a “go” of the Maddox Printing Company. Gabriel B. Maddox, Sr. had passed in 1945.The attempt did not succeed, so Al and Frank went to work at the Afro-American Newspapers. After several years of frugal saving, the two brothers established TIME PRINTERS in December 1954. Their successful 26 year partnership laid the foundation for the continuing family legacy.Meanwhile on the “homefront” Letitia went about raising their seven children: Brenda, Al Jr., Dan, Wayne, Gregory, Lisa and Brian (who preceded him in death). Although Al worked long hours, he still made time for family outings and activities, especially on Sundays. The loving, close-knit family shared many happy times together.Upon his brother Frank’s retirement in 1980, Al operated the business with the assistance of his children. Over the years, several grandchildren as well as other relatives were employed by him. He served countless individuals, enterprises and organizations in the community and beyond for almost fifty years, making numerous friends along the way. Al began a well-deserved retirement in 2001. “It takes dedication, diligence and discipline to stay in business. Know your craft, apply yourself, have faith in God,” were Al Maddox’s words to live by.Al Maddox was a Golden Life Heritage member of the NAACP, a member of the Board of Directors of Sojourner-Douglass College, a devout member of New All Saints Roman Catholic Church, an active member of the Frederick Douglass High School Class of 1940, and a past member of the Presidents’ Roundtable. Being an avid jazz fan, Sunday evenings were often spent at Left Bank Jazz Society’s weekly concerts.He was always available to family and friends for good counsel and stimulating, witty conversation with a compassionate heart. Al was also instrumental in helping Narcotics Anonymous build a foundation in Baltimore City.The beloved patriarch of the Maddox Family, J. Albert Maddox, Sr. departed this life on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 after a valiant battle with declining health. Left to cherish his memory are: his beloved wife, his six children; one sister, Ruth M. Guy of Brooklyn, NY; one brother, Francis J. Maddox, Sr.; twelve grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, sons- and daughters-in-law, brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends too numerous to mention.

Tributes

J. Albert Maddox

December 24, 1921 - January 2, 2007