Alva Hugh Maddox

1930 - 2020

Alva Hugh Maddox

Montgomery -

Alva Hugh Maddox, 90, died on December 11, 2020, at his home in Montgomery, Alabama. Hugh was born in Covington County, Alabama on April 17, 1930 to Christopher C. Maddox and Audie Freeman Maddox. He graduated from Florala High School in 1947 and the University of Alabama where he received degrees in journalism and law. Hugh served in the Air Force during the Korean War and was active in the Air Force Reserve retiring as Colonel in 1982 after 30 years of service. He held several legal positions in state and federal government and served as a circuit judge and as an assistant district attorney in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Montgomery County, Alabama. Subsequently, Hugh served as legal advisor to three Alabama Governors. Governor Albert Brewer appointed him as an Associate Justice to the Alabama Supreme Court in 1969. Justice Maddox was elected to that office five times until his retirement in 2001, having served on the Court for 31 years, the longest tenure of any Associate Justice on that Court. Justice Maddox was the author of the treatise, Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, with the First Edition published in 1990 and worked tirelessly on supplements to this book through 2019. He also authored and illustrated a children's book entitled Billy Boll Weevil. Additionally, Justice Maddox was instrumental in forming Chapters of the American Inns of Court throughout the State of Alabama and was recognized by receiving the A. Sherman Christensen Award at the United States Supreme Court in 2008. The Montgomery Chapter was named the Hugh Maddox Inn of Court in his honor. He also established the Youth Judicial Program in 1979 as part of the YMCA Youth Legislature. He received the YMCA Man of the Year Award in 1988 for his service to youth in the community and the Montgomery Area Council on Aging Senior of Achievement Award. Hugh was grateful for many friendships and especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Christopher C. Maddox and Audie Freeman Maddox; two brothers, Huron Maddox and Charles Maddox; and one sister, Jean Maddox. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Virginia Roberts Maddox; his two children, Robert Hugh Maddox (Jill) and Jane Hoesel (Brian); his beloved granddaughter, Hannah Maddox; one sister, Carol Hartzog (Gayle); three special brothers-in-law, Wade Roberts (Dale), Truett Roberts (Deborah), and Bill Roberts (Gloria); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Due to the COVID-19 virus, there will be a private family graveside service, and a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 305 South Perry Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 or to the YMCA, P.O. Box 2336, Montgomery, AL 36102.