Albert Blair Madren

Mr. Albert Blair Madren, 87, Reidsville passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2014 at Moses Cone Hospital. Albert was born May 18th, 1927 to Marvin and Luella Belle Madren in Gibsonville, North Carolina, the youngest of twelve children spending his childhood in Liberty, North Carolina and then settling in Reidsville. A proud veteran in the U.S. Navy, Madren met his beautiful bride, Bonnie Faye Walker, during the 2nd World War and they married on July 3rd, 1949 in Reidsville, North Carolina. She preceded him in death in 2008. His siblings also preceded him, Lester, Roy, Wade and Marvin Madren, Rosie Stevens, Blanche Chatmon and Norma Benke. After returning from overseas service, Madren commenced on a long career at American Tobacco Company for more than 41 years until his retirement in 1985. Madren was actively involved as a member of Reidsville Christian Church and honored to have built many relationships of ongoing friends at local restaurants, Sanitary Café & Mayberry Ice Cream Shop, the Farmers Market and gatherings in addition to volunteering his time at the local American Legion. Madren continued a keen life-long enthusiasm of gardening vegetables, raising and grafting fruit trees and cultivating home grown food in addition to hunting and fishing since his early farming days. He refined his hand at horseshoe pitching of which he claimed numerous county and area championships. Always wanting to improve, Albert interned at cabinet making, carpentry, bricklaying and woodworking, among other skills in order to design and construct three houses for his family in the Reidsville area; all the while supporting his son’s scouting, schooling, sports and church related activities. Madren is survived by three sons: Blair Madren and companion, Patty Groff of Reidsville; Robin Madren and wife, Khristie of Anchorage, Alaska; Leland Madren and wife, Reiko of Tokyo, Japan; grandchildren include: Anna Pattison and husband, Joe of Holly Springs; Whitney Madren of Los Angeles; Kirby Madren of Shanghai, China; Zackorey Madren and wife, Beth of Anchorage; Kendra Dyson and husband, Chet of Anchorage, Alaska; Karley Charters and husband, Luke of Florida; Mimi Madren and Lana Madren, both of Japan; five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be held at Wilkerson Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014 at twelve noon with Rev. Chad Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Reidlawn Cemetery with military rites. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, July 1st from six until eight o’clock at Wilkerson Funeral Home and other times at the residence. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Hospice Home of Rockingham County, P. O. Box 281 Wentworth, North Carolina 27375 or Rockingham County Animal Shelter, 250 Cherokee Camp Road, Reidsville, North Carolina 27320. Wilkerson Funeral Home is assisting the family and condolences may be made to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com