Golden Years

By: Alana Adams

Updated: Wed 7:36 PM, Jul 21, 2004

Beatrice Maddox was only 16 years old when she married 19-year-old Buddy Maddox. Over the years, they had four children, eight grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.

The Maddox family has always lived in the panhandle, mostly in the St. Joe and Apalachicola area. When asked what the secret to a successful marriage, Buddy Maddox said he learned to keep his mouth shut.

"When we get mad we wouldn't fuss, we wouldn't argue. We just kind of blew up and go off in a corner somewhere or I'd get up and go hunting or fishing and we just wouldn't fuss, wouldn't argue. We never did argue and fuss."

The couple met in grade school and married when her family was getting ready to leave town.

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