Graduated Young Harris College, 1930; Georgia Tech and Evening School, 1931-32; University of South Carolina; Post graduate Study, Sanitary Engineering; John Marshall Law School, LLB degree. WWII active duty, USA 2nd LT. 1940 – March, 1946.

Married Georgia Amelia Wright on June 29, 1935 in Mayo, Florida. Children: Virginia Maddox Matthews; Joseph G. Maddox, Jr.; Mary Josephine;