John Edward Madison of Wendell North Carolina passed away suddenly on November 23, 2017 at his home. He was 68 years old. Born on September 6, 1949 in Riverdale Maryland to the late Nettie and Ernest Madison.

He honorably served one tour overseas in Vietnam from September 1968 to August 1970, receiving decorations including The National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Infantry Badge and The Army Commendation Medal. In 2004 he retired after a thirty-one year career with Volkswagen of America. In retirement, his passion for cars and driving found him transporting vehicles for Universal Chevrolet in his hometown. These instances were brief and sporadic as his many interests kept him occupied most of the time.

He enjoyed nature, the outdoors and was frequently found fishing, soaking up the sun at the beach and tending to his flower gardens. After the activities of the day, he would kick back in his favorite chair with his diet Dr. Thunder and catch up on his shows and the news. His love of travel recently took him to Alaska and on many road trips to visit beloved friends and family. 

He is survived by his wife Sylvia Smith Madison of Wendell North Carolina and two daughters, Jennifer Madison and Karen Carlsen (Steve) of Norfolk Nebraska; six grandchildren Christian, Kyra, Syrena, Kyan, Sophia and Syrafina; brother, Ernest Madison of Desert Hot Springs California; two sisters, Mary Jane Hall (Jimmy) and Linda Gosciniak of Baltimore Maryland; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Louis Madison of Atlantic Virginia.

Visitation will be held at L. Harold Poole Funeral Service and Crematory on Monday, November 27th from 6-8pm. The funeral will be held in same location on Tuesday, November 28th at 11am with burial at Snow Hill Cemetery in Snow Hill North Carolina at 3pm.

John was a very loving, kindhearted and giving soul. He enjoyed helping those in need and was always a champion for the underdog. In this spirit, memorial contributions may be made to either of his favorite charities, but flowers are welcomed.

DAV- Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 www.dav.org, or Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105  www.stjude.org

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