Captain Max Berry Daughtry, DDS, US Navy Retired, 89, died peacefully on June 9, 2023 at Greer Memorial Hospital, Greer, S.C., after a short illness.

Born in 1933 in Seminary, MS, Max's parents were the late Vera Mae Aultman and Thomas Malcolm Daughtry.

Max attended Memphis State University and went to dental school at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, where he met his wife, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Griswold of East Longmeadow, MA, who was a nurse anesthetist at Atlanta General.  Max joined the Navy Reserve while in Dental School, and began active duty in the Dental Corps at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in 1960.  In 1963, along with his growing family, Max was transferred to Sanford, FL, embarking for the Mediterranean aboard the USS Little Rock on an 8-month tour. He was later stationed in Norfolk, VA, Milton, FL, and New London, CT, where he was promoted to captain and became chief of the naval dental clinic at the submarine base. In 1977, he was transferred to Marietta, GA to head the dental clinic, He retired from the Navy in 1980.

Max subsequently opened a private dental practice in Hartwell, GA, retiring in 1995. After his retirement, he and Betty lived in Hartwell, GA, and moved to Greenville, SC in 2016.

Max was known for his love of hunting, fishing, and the outdoors, as well as for his love of books from his well-stocked library.  Every fall was the highlight of his year when his friends Robert Combs, James Bond, and many others came to stay at his home on Lake Hartwell for their annual hunting trip.

Max was a deacon at Liberty Baptist Church, Hartwell, GA and was involved with the local Republican Party. He and his wife were also leaders in the local AWANA children's club.

He often generously provided dental services to full time ministers, missionaries, and people in need.

Max was predeceased by an older brother, Wayne Burns Daughtry, and an older sister, Bobbie Tom Daughtry O'Neil.

Max is survived by his wife Betty Daughtry, sons Barry Daughtry (Mary) of Suamico, WI and Edward Daughtry (Gwen) of Greer, SC; and daughters Angela Daughtry (Kurt) of Danielson, CT; Betty Ann Johnson of Greenville, SC; and Sarah Daughtry of Lebanon, NJ; as well as nine grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 16, 2023 from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.

Funeral services for Dr. Max Daughtry will be Friday, June 16, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Mike Griffin and Rev. Andy Buchanan officiating. Military honors will follow the service provided by the US Navy Honor Guard.  A committal service will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery, Anderson SC.

Flowers optional, memorials may be made to Friends of Hart Life, P.O Box 344, Hartwell GA 30643 or Liberty Baptist Church, PO Box 811, Hartwell GA 30643

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.