Madison Delph, 85, loving father, and adoring husband to his wife Joyce, passed away on Monday, February 21, 2022, after courageously battling metastatic breast cancer. Born June 4, 1936, in McDowell County, WV, Madison and Joyce married in 1958 and moved to Baltimore, MD in 1959 where he completed barber college and began his career as a barber/hair stylist. They relocated to King George, VA in 1974 to be close to family. Madison soon opened his own business, Madison’s Unisex Styling and Barber Shop, which became a community landmark. In 1976 he won first place at the Bicentennial Hairstyling Show in Washington, DC. He loved his career and his community, and continued to work until 2020, when covid changed all of our lives. Madison never knew a stranger, never had a bad word to say about anyone, and loved helping others. He always looked on the bright side and even as he faced his battle with cancer he maintained his sense of humor and found joy and comfort in being surrounded by family and friends; especially, his beloved wife, Joyce. His faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was unwavering and inspiring to everyone he came in contact with. His heartfelt prayers of thanksgiving for his life, family, salvation, and all that God had provided for him throughout his years strengthened the faith of those around him. Madison enjoyed staying busy and loved being outdoors working in the yard and garden, or walking his neighborhood with his dogs. Madison absolutely loved the mountains of West Virginia, where he grew up, and would jump at any opportunity to return. He instilled this love of the outdoors and the mountains in his children and grandchildren. Madison’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather and loved unconditionally. He loved being a grandfather and then great-grandfather and would often be on the floor playing with the kids when they were young. He took great pride in his family and enjoyed sharing stories.

Madison leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years, Joyce Delph of King George, VA; daughter Constance Boggs and husband Timothy of Mechanicsville, VA; daughter Andrea Lovelace of King George, VA; granddaughter Michaela Walker and husband Jason Thomas of Fredericksburg, VA; grandson Samuel Boggs of Mechanicsville, VA; granddaughter Sarah Boggs of Denton, TX; granddaughter Karlee Lovelace of King George, VA; great grandchildren Maddox and Stella Thomas; numerous nieces and nephews; Mindy Olive Fuller “adopted” daughter and beloved caregiver during Madison’s last months; Lisa Rhodes “adopted” daughter and confidant; and of course Bella and Bailey, his dogs who he loved dearly and adored him.

Madison was preceded in death by his parents Roy Delph and Elvia Delph Bowles; infant son Dennis Madison Delph; brother Roy Lee Delph; four sisters Ruby Hicks; Mary Woodard, Nancy Mastrandrea, and Lola Nasatsky; and niece Tamatha Delph.

Madison will be sorely missed by his family and friends, especially his quiet kindhearted demeanor and infectious grin. Comfort can be taken in the knowledge that he has gone home and as he said many times in his last weeks, this is just “see you later,” not goodbye.

A visitation and time of remembrance will be held at 3:00 pm, on Friday, March 25th at Storke Funeral Home in King George, VA, followed by the funeral service at 4:00 pm. 

The family is grateful for the exceptional care and compassionate support provided by Mary Washington Hospice. Donations in memory of Madison can be made to the Mary Washington Hospital Foundation/Hospice Care, ​2600 Mary Washington Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Please be sure to designate your donation to Hospice Care.