Willoughby Stephen Maddox

Posted on June 14, 2024

Willoughby Stephen Maddox, known to most of us as simply “Daddy Bill”, was a man of honor. You could guarantee that when a choice arose, his choice would always be what was right, what was just, and what most benefited those around him. He never did what was easy and always put others on a pedestal. His love of people is what he will be remembered by, and he will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He died on June 12, 2024 of a broken heart, a few short weeks after the passing of his beloved wife, Honey.

He was born September 9th, 1930 in Wildwood, Florida to parents Thomas and Sara Maddox. In 1952, he and Honey Sarah Virginia Maddox set off on their most epic adventure, a tale of true love that will live on through eternity. Together, they showed their three children Kim (Ronnie), Stephen (Cindy), and Kendall (John) how to love and be loved in return. His six grandchildren, Judson Willoughby, Ron (Marie), Joshua Stephen, Matt (Devyn), Kellie (Keith), and Dorie Virginia (Jeret), and fourteen great grandchildren, Maddox, Enslie, Alden, Elliott, Wren, Samuel, River, Essie, Eliza, Naomi, Kendall Kate, Ruthie Honey, Mac and Aline will forever remember the example he set for them.

After graduating as the class president Wildwood High in 1948, Daddy Billy went on to complete two years of medical training in just three semesters at the University of Florida. His education was momentarily interrupted by his wanderlust and devotion to his country, when he enlisted in the Navy.

A well decorated war hero, he served in the Navy over three years, and one year as a Marine in Korea and was awarded the Wharang Medal with Gold Star for “exceptionally meritorious service”.  There, he trained Koreans on medical care and instruments, sharing his care and knowledge far beyond the United States. He was embedded within the South Korean Marines, the only American to be in the Korean Marine Corps. His wife Honey, wrote him every single day, over four hundred letters of longing, love, and dedication. He was in Korea on their first anniversary. On July 27th, 1953, moments after the peace treaty was signed that would end the Korean War, he was shot in the field, with sustained wounds to the arm and chest. He stayed in Korea another four months after being wounded, with his fellow Corpsman, Dr. Kim, for whom he named his eldest daughter.

With honorable discharge and a Purple Heart, he returned to the University of Florida to continue his pre-med training.

Soon his son Steven was born, and he knew he needed to become a father and provider fast, so he switched majors, graduating with honors in Civil Engineering in 1958. He and his family immediately relocated to Perry, Florida, where he found a new home and family in Buckeye. Shortly, they became five, with the birth of Kendall, and the following years were highlighted with traveling, laughter, making memories, and seeking adventure, but always returning home to his beloved Perry and his Buckeye Family.

He was fortunate to retire earlier in life than most, and he and Honey traveled the U.S. in an RV before discovering their second home, a small parcel on a bubbling creek in Tennessee. It did not start out as much, but Daddy Bill and Honey transformed it into an oasis that is still enjoyed by his family today. 

He loved the outdoors, and spent many a day golfing, at Florida Field cheering on his beloved Gators, and hiking every mountain from Tennessee to Masada, Israel; But he was the most happy in his own backyard, picking up fallen limbs, with his blower assuring any leaf on his drive didn’t last long, making swings and tables in his shop.

He was adventuresome. Known to back flip of a cliff into waters unknown, much to the chagrin of the ever watchful Honey. He teased. He played. Quick witted, he never missed a quip. But at the heart of this he was a family man, if you knew him you were, are, and will always be family. The funeral services will be held on Monday, June 17th, 2024, at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Perry, with Pastor Jeret Foshee officiating. The family has requested a private burial. Friends are welcome to pay their respects from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Monday, June 17th, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Perry. All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry.