John A. Caddell, 93, founder of Caddell Construction Co. and a lifelong humanitarian and philanthropist died peacefully in his Montgomery home on Monday, March 27, 2023. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce, with whom he had five children and celebrated a 66-year marriage that the couple often characterized as “a great and enduring love story.”
His five children survive John;
Cathy Caddell (Charlie Warnke)
Michael Caddell (Cynthia Chapman)
Kirby Caddell (Robin)
Jeff Caddell (Ellen)
Chris Caddell (Kori)
Grandchildren: Mac, Chad, Christine, Matthew, Andrew, Chapman, and Clea, and seven great-grandchildren.
From humble beginnings sanding floors for his father’s refinishing business, John’s remarkable intelligence and business talent were recognized and rewarded in a construction career that made him a major industry star on the international stage. After earning a building construction degree from Georgia Tech (named Alumni of the Year in 1998), he joined Blount Construction where he soon rose through the ranks to become President and CEO leading the company through its greatest period of growth and prosperity.
In 1983, John founded Caddell Construction which has since become a multi-billion dollar company building commercial, government, civil, and industrial projects worldwide. Reflecting his devotion to family, Caddell Construction was a “family affair” with his wife Joyce and all his children participating in key roles in the company’s exceptional success. Son, Kirby Caddell, led the company as president and CEO for many years and grandson Mac has recently stepped into this role.
John Caddell was inducted into the Hall of Fame for both major construction industry organizations, the Association of Builders and Contractors (ABC) and Associated General Contractors (AGC). He received numerous other industry awards and recognition throughout his career.
Parallel to his business success was a devotion to community and giving back. John and Joyce Caddell, personally and through their foundation, have donated millions to a wide range of educational, humanitarian, cultural, and civic organizations. Their involvements have included the YMCA, the Montgomery Museum’s John and Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden, Montgomery Area Council on Aging, Alabama Wildlife Federation, the American Cancer Society, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, and Georgia Tech, to name a very few from a growing list.
Among numerous awards highlighting the Caddells' support of the arts were the 2010 Frank Memorial Arts Award and the 2022 Winton M. Blount Patrons of the Art Award and The Caddell Kitchen and The Rick Heinzman Memorial Meals on Wheel Award for MACOA.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Frazer United Methodist Church on March 31st at 6001 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, Alabama. Visitation is from 12:00 until 1:30 with the service beginning at 1:30. Reverend John Ed Mathison will be officiating.
Pallbearers will be Mac Caddell, Chad Caddell, Matthew Caddell, Andrew Caddell, Chapman Caddell, Jacob Caddell, Cole Caddell, and Carter Weeks.
Honorary pallbearers are Mark Baldino, Dan Brantley, Eddie Stewart, Walter Nanney, Spec Hughes, and Nick Gaede.
The family expresses their deep appreciation to caregivers Octavia Tyus and Verlener Cargill that lovingly looked after John for so many years, as well as caregivers Cris, Lela, and Cherry. Special thanks also to Juan Sanchez. These folks made it possible for John Caddell to remain in his home.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to one of John’s favorite organizations.
Posted online on March 29, 2023
Published in Montgomery Advertiser