Mr. John E. Maxwell, age 86, of Lavonia, died Sunday, February 26, 2017 at his home.
Born June 1, 1930, in Hart County, he was the son of the late James C. and Elizabeth (Hunnicutt) Maxwell. He was the last survivor of his immediate family. He was a veteran of the US Navy and was a member of the Lavonia First Baptist Church. Mr. Maxwell retired as an engineering tech with the Georgia Department of Transportation after 34 years of service. His was an avid farmer and was a member of the Franklin County Young Farmers and a former board member of Southern States in Royston. He had a passion for literacy and enjoyed reading to his daughter's kindergarten class dressed as Johnny Appleseed.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years: Margaret (Dow) Maxwell; children: Vivian & Wayne Whiting, Sherrie Whitmire, John Dennis Maxwell, and Elizabeth & Larry Murphy; six grandchildren; special grand-dog: Zoe; and twelve great-grandchildren.
The funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 2, 2017 at the Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger officiating. Burial will follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens – North with Rev. Bruce Moore officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church Thursday afternoon from 1:00 p.m. until the service. The family will be at the home. Flowers are optional or donations may be made to Lavonia First Baptist Church Kids Town or Celebrate Recovery.
Strickland Funeral Home – Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.