Prominent Montgomery businessman, philanthropist and supporter of the arts John A. Caddell has died.
The founder of Caddell Construction died peacefully at his home Tuesday surrounded by family, a release from the company stated. He was 93.
A Montgomery native, Caddell helped lead two locally based construction companies, first Blount Brothers and then Caddell, to becoming multi-billion dollar international concerns.
He spent his life supporting scholarships, local nonprofits and his alma mater, the Georgia Institute of Technology. But it was the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts that held a special place for he and his late wife, Joyce. The couple were a team in philanthropy efforts, and the outdoor sculpture garden at the museum is named in their honor.
“John Caddell loved people and committed his life to making the world a better place,” said Laurie Weil, museum board president and a local veterinarian. “The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts will be forever grateful for having been a part of that passion and vision. John and his wife, Joyce, supported the museum in every way possible; their continuing generosity has enabled the museum to be regarded as one of the best fine arts museums in the Southeastern U.S.
“The Caddell’s extraordinary gift to the museum’s sculpture garden capital campaign assured its realization. The John and Joyce Caddell Sculpture Garden is a beautiful outdoor gallery that provides our community with a space where art and nature combine to provide opportunities for reflection, recreation and renewal. We are proud to be a part of their enduring legacy.”
As a youngster Caddell became interested in construction while working in his father’s floor refinishing business. He graduated from Sidney Lanier High School before earning a degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in building construction in 1952. He married Joyce Kirby that year, and the couple were married for 66 years.
His first job was a construction estimator with Blount Brothers in Montgomery. Founder Red Blount was his mentor and he worked his way through the ranks to being named by Blount as president and CEO in 1969.
He led Blount through a period of tremendous growth from $67 million to more than $600 million in annual revenue on some of the largest construction projects in the world.
In 1983, Blount asked Caddell, then 53 to resign from the company, the press release stated. Within weeks, John and Joyce decided to form Caddell Construction, initially working from their family home.
What started as a company on the kitchen table expanded over the years and moved its headquarters as growth demanded, settling at the current office in downtown Montgomery.
Caddell Construction became a major force in domestic and international markets specializing in federal government projects. In 2017 the company expanded and opened three additional corporate offices in Bentonville, Ark., Woodstock, Ga. and Jacksonville, Fla.
“There just aren’t enough words to describe the influence John Caddell had on the construction industry as a whole,” said current Caddell CEO Eddie Stewart. “He was an absolute icon and someone we should all aspire to be like. His influence over Caddell Construction is evident every single day, and his guidance in my own life is impossible to overstate. I will truly miss him more than words can say.”
As the company they founded continued to prosper John and Joyce Caddell continued to model a strong commitment to community and philanthropy. They were very active in many civic and charitable roles including establishing scholarships at multiple universities. The John & Joyce Caddell Building is named in their honor at his alma mater, Georgia Tech.
“On behalf of the city of Montgomery, our prayers are with the family and friends of John Caddell,” Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said. “For nearly a century, John was a bright light for central Alabama. As a Montgomery native, John not only built a billion-dollar business here with his wife, Joyce, through his extraordinary vision, hard work and skill, but he built up our entire community through his generosity and dedication to service.
“John was an avid supporter of Montgomery’s arts and culture, civic organizations and nonprofits, and he left an indelible mark upon many institutions in the region. He embodied the spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, and his legacy will inspire future generations of leaders in Montgomery and beyond.”
In 2018, a multi-year transition from family-owned Caddell Construction Inc. to employee-owned Caddell Construction LLC was completed.
“The work we’ve done over 40 years is mind-boggling,” said Stewart. “When I think about the sacrifices John and Joyce made to get this company up and going… and the continued sacrifice all along the way, I just can’t process that level of passion, talent and commitment. It is truly inspiring.”
Contact Montgomery Advertiser reporter Marty Roney at mroney@gannett.com.
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