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Gary J. Maddox, age 66, of Hudsonville, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 13, 2023.
He was born on August 18, 1956, in Grand Rapids, to George & Doris (Moomey) Maddox.
Gary proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was aboard the USS Coral Sea. He later served in the United States Naval Construction Battalion, “Seabee’s” before joining the National Guard.
He was a life member of the VFW and the NCO Club. He spent many years supporting his fellow veterans. He was an officer with the U.S. Naval Sea Cadets, volunteered with the West Michigan Veterans Assistance program, produced a local public television program called Veterans News sponsored by the AmVets Post. He supported the VFW Riders group and served on the board of the Creston VFW. He was a member of the Coral Sea Association and also participated in the NMCB1026 SeaBee reunions.
Gary married Diane on April 5, 1997. He was a strong and caring father and wholeheartedly supported and loved his blended family. He instilled in them a complete sense of belonging and fierce independence.
He was extremely proud of each and every one of his children and grandchildren, nephews and nieces. He showed them love and affection and offered strong opinions on just about everything. They might not have always agreed, but would smile and affectionately say, “he may be a grumpy old man, but he’s ours”.
Gary enjoyed traveling, hunting, the outdoors, and spending time with his dog.
Survivors include his wife, Diane Maddox; children, Sara Maddox, Bevin Maddox, James Carlson, Deb Klinge, Harmany (Renee) Delashmit, Jonathon (Sarah) Alkema, Trisha (Mathew) Baker, Andrew (Chanel) Alkema, Angela (Bob) Mohr; 23 grandchildre; 5 great grandchildren; siblings; Patrick (Deb) Maddox, Sheryl (Dave) Pease, Robert Maddox; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, George & Doris Maddox; mother-in-law, Thelma Vande Kieft; brothers, John and Greg Maddox; nephew, Hawk Maddox; sister-in-law, sister-in-law, Joyce and Cindy Maddox.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm on Monday, March 20, 2023, at Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, 3627 Linden Avenue SE, Grand Rapids. Visitation will continue at 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at the funeral home with a Funeral Service held at 11:00 am. Burial with Military Honors will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Following the service in Fort Custer, family and friends are invited to join us at the 3rd Michigan NCO Club at 3:30 pm.
To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Gary’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006, exclusive providers of Veterans Funeral Care.
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Rest in peace brother I have been honored to be a part of your family and a friend and military brothers and sisters for many years. I will miss you and the joy of getting that boat running so good for you and the smiles it put on your and Diane’s faces when you opened it up on the river. I missed spending more time with you and I am sorry for that. I pray that the wonderful times and memorable moments you shared with all of us help all of us with loosing you brother. God’s speed to Valhalla, you are definitely one of my heroes until we meet again brother. I will keep praying for your amazing family that I am so blessed to have been a small part of.
So very sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
Gary rest in peace my friend. I have known you since you were a young boy in our neighbor hood. Was at your wedding to Diane who made you so happy.