Rayford Hughes Maddux, 94, a gentleman of quiet strength and entrepreneurial spirit, passed away peacefully July 1st at his home in Port Neches, Texas, after a prolonged illness.
Born on July 13, 1930, In Alto, Texas, Rayford was the youngest and last surviving of the ten children of Herbert Lee (H.L. "Hub") Maddux and Elizabeth Collier Maddux. From humble beginnings, he carved out a legacy of industriousness, resilience, and style - always well dressed in a starched button down and never without his signature monogrammed handkerchief.
Rayford moved to Beaumont in 1950, where he began his professional life with Dictaphone Corporation. As the company's one-man presence in the city, he sold and serviced Dictaphone machines in legal and medical offices across the region. But the predictability of a fixed paycheck did not suit Rayford's independent nature. With determination and self-taught skills, he transitioned into homebuilding - quickly learning to draw house plans, oversee construction, and manage infrastructure development. Over the following decades, Rayford built hundreds of homes, transforming neighborhoods and shaping the landscape of Beaumont.
In the early 1970s, Rayford expanded into multifamily housing, developing the Hacienda Apartments near Lamar University and with his wife and business partner Terri by his side, he continued acquiring numerous rental properties throughout South Park. Even into his later years, Rayford remained actively involved In managing and maintaining his properties - his hands never far from the business he built.
Rayford was a Christian man who led with quiet conviction. Though reserved in speech, his actions and integrity spoke volumes. He was known for his wit, love of gambling, and thrill for the game - whether playing craps at the casino, skiing down a snowy slope, or placing a bet at the horse races.
Rayford shared 44 years of business partnership and 31 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Terri Stelly Maddux, who survives him. Their life together was a testament to deep and enduring love, partnership, and unwavering support.
He also leaves behind a cherished family legacy: six daughters - Sonya Pence and her husband Bert of Austin, Mary Maddux and her partner Ginny Martin of Dallas, Kathy Maddux of Albuquerque, Melany Adler of Durango, Sharon Maddux of Crystal Beach, and Tracey Maddux of Fort Collins; eight grandchildren - Dana Smith and his wife Amanda, Bella Maddux Martin, Arthur Moller and his wife Jennifer, Jennifer Marino and her husband Jeffery, Sarah Hartman and her husband Matt, Pamela Adler and her husband James, Cullen Cannon, and Sadie Gorbett; and nine great-grandchildren-Kylie, Colton, Joelle, A.V, Henry, Hopper, Benjamin, Adler, and Corey.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caregivers Adela Valencia, Delmis Moreira, Maude Marshall and Novella Foster for their devoted, loving, experienced and compassionate care during Rayford's final years. And a special thank you to all the wonderful staff of Gentiva Hospice, especially Christie, Kelsey, Kathy and Rob.
A memorial service honoring Rayford's life will be held July 5, 2025 with a visitation from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will be at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas after the service.
Those wishing to honor Rayford's memory may do so through charitable contributions to a cause of their choice, in the spirit of generosity and independence that defined his life.
Rayford Maddux built more than just homes - he built a life filled with grit, grace, and enduring legacy. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.