Roy Leon Maddox

Six Mile – Recipient of The Distinguished Flying Cross, Roy L. Maddox, Lt. Col. USAF retired, 94, passed away July 16, 2020. He was a resident of Six Mile, SC. Lt. Col. Maddox was the loving father of Michael G. Maddox (Qulia) of Wewoka, OK; Larry S. Maddox (Vicki) of Olive Branch, MS; Linda L. Jordan (Michael) of Memphis, TN; Leslie S. Maddox of Memphis, TN; step-sons: Frederick J. Lanceley (Donna) of Canton, GA and Michael A. Lanceley of Sandy Springs, SC. His loving wife of 35 years, Geraldine A. Maddox preceded him in death on May 27, 2017. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Brady C. and Alma (Nichols) Maddox, along with a brother, Robert Maddox and sister, Jean Bowman. He is also survived by his brother, Larry Maddox (Ann) and sister, Sue King (Ron) and many nieces and nephews. Survivors also include 20 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and a great great grandchild.

Born in Charleston, WV on January 30, 1926, Roy was the second child out of five. He graduated from Gallia Academy High School, Gallipolis, OH in 1943. After graduating, he took flying lessons and began flying with his friend Ted Bishop. They flew clients on tours that included the Biltmore in NC. He worked as a fireman on the Southern Railroad. Soon after, he joined the armed services. At age 19, he was PFC-flight mechanic on the B24 Bomber in Harlingen, TX. Early in his career, he piloted B-17, B-19 and B-24 military aircraft. In 1948, he was a Cadet Officer USAF in San Angelo, TX. Later on, he flew helicopters. In Vietnam, he piloted the Sikorsky CH-3E armed, amphibious transport helicopter to transport personnel and rescue wounded ground troops. After serving in Saudi Arabia, in the U.S., in Europe, and in Vietnam, Roy was commissioned as Lt Colonel Roy L. Maddox in 1970.

During his military career, he was awarded several distinctions. He received the following: USAF Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service August 9, 1966 – June 11, 1969; The Air Medal for Meritorious Achievement in Aerial Flight January 17, 1970 – October 16, 1970; The Meritorious Service Medal in the Performance of Outstanding Service to the US as Chief Missile Support Aircraft Division, 308th Strategic Missile Wing, Little Rock AFB, Arkansas from October 1971 to May 22, 1973. For Extraordinary Achievement while participating in Aerial Flight during the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross February 3, 1972.

Not only was Roy recognized by the military, he received a personal gift from the King of Saudi Arabia for exemplary service in January 1953 and received recognition for the rescue of passengers who were stranded in the desert in Saudi Arabia on a KLM flight. When his base was notified of the accident, he led a group of helicopters to search for the downed plane. The passengers held up their lighters to help guide the military towards them. No lives were lost.

After retirement, Roy returned to school and earned two Associate Degrees in Vocational Guidance and Vocational Technical Education. He enjoyed retirement and remained active in the American Legion, in his church, St. Michael’s Episcopal in Easley, and on his farm. Some of his favorite past times were woodworking, square dancing, bowling, photography, and spending time with family and friends. His compassion, quiet nature, generosity and willingness to help others will be remembered by all who knew him.

A graveside memorial service will be conducted 11 AM Thursday, August 20, 2020 in the churchyard of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Pendleton, SC with The Reverend Lee Dudley officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org

Messages of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com

Dillard Funeral Home

Pickens, South Carolina