John Hocutt Maddry Jr.

John Hocutt Maddry, Jr. 91, passed away peacefully in his home on February 28, 2026. Born September 6, 1934, in Chapel Hill, NC, John was the son of Mabel Freeland and John Hocutt Maddry, Sr., of Chapel Hill, NC. Their family had been in Chapel Hill since the 1700s. He graduated from Chapel Hill High School and later attended North Carolina State University for one year only to return to Chapel Hill to elope with the love of his life, Shirley Ann Mauer in 1953. They were married for 72 years.

John is survived by his daughters Robin Cheryl Maddry of Mebane, and Kelly Maddry Young (Randy) of Chapel Hill; grandchildren Emily Parisher Hill (Jon) of Mebane, Sarah Parisher Walker (Matt) of Efland, Alexa Young (Rich) of Raleigh, and Harrison Young (New Haven, CT), and great-grandsons Cole Walker of Efland and Jackson Hill of Mebane; nephews Bob Maddry (Janet), John Vaughn (Cheri), Stuart Vaughn (Shay), and niece, Rose Williams (Jon).

He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Mauer Maddry, brother Avery Maddry, and sister Eloise Maddry Vaughn; nephew Ronald Maddry (Judy) and Mark Vauhgn.

John was a loving husband of 72 years to Shirley. He lived his life for his family as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle. He had such a passion for learning and helping others. He was a founding member of the South Orange Rescue Squad and served his community for many years. He was a walking encyclopedia for all things plants; particularly camellias and orchids – a member of the Camellia society boasting more than 250 camellias in his yard. He was a master of anything he put his mind to and was always a student teaching himself something new. In his later career, after owning his decorating business, he was the longest serving magistrate for the State of North Carolina with 21 years of service. He was such a hard worker and didn’t retire until he was 78 years old.

Funeral services honoring John’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Orange United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. All are welcome for a reception following the service in the OUMC Fellowship Hall.