Donald M. Maxey, Sr.

Donald M. Maxey, Sr., 70,  passed away on Thursday, December 22nd, in Lawrenceville, GA. surrounded by family.  He is survived by his wife Margie D Maxey, daughter Kimberley Billington of Lincolnton, sons Donald (Jennifer) M. Maxey, Jr. of Lawrenceville, David M Maxey of Sausalito, CA. and grandchildren Courtney Waters, Abagayle Waters, Dylan Maxey, Timothy Maxey, Kaylee Maxey, and Trey Maxey, and brother Jeffrey (Jeanne) Maxey of Orlando, FL. and niece Elese Maxey.  He is preceded in death by his parents Marvin L. and Imogene (Couch) Maxey and son Michael L. Maxey.

Don was a native Atlantan. He attended Briarcliff High School and Georgia State University. He loved the outdoors spending much of his early adult life hiking and camping.  His idea of a “good time” was sitting in the woods enjoying nature or watching the waves at the beach. He was a man of faith. Through the years he served as deacon, mentor, and advisory board member of his local churches. He loved people and that served him well in construction sales and later in residential and commercial building projects.

Don was a devoted husband of 43 years, a dedicated father of four, and an incredibly involved grandfather of six. His family was his passion.  After raising his own kids, he joyfully volunteered at what he liked to call “Granddaddy Daycare”, so his youngest grandchildren never attended a public daycare. He didn’t stop there. When the decision was made to homeschool them, he volunteered to take “Granddaddy Daycare” to the next level. He helped homeschool his two youngest grandchildren by teaching Bible, Community Helpers, and History—his favorite. He knew what was important and always had time for family.

He was an Eagle Scout and devoted most of his free time to scouting with his three sons. They each attained their Eagle as did countless others (including two of his grandsons) through his leadership and mentoring. He was a Boy Scout troop leader for 13 years and the troop he started produced 20 Eagle Scouts. He ran the Northeast Georgia Council Scout Show for 10 years, taught for the National Youth Leadership program for 2 years, served on the Wood Badge training staff for 7 years, and was the Wood Badge Course Director in 2013. He was elected President of the Oldtimers in 2014. He was the Eagle Board Director for the Sweetwater District of the Northeast Georgia Council for 10 years, overseeing more than 1,000 Eagle Board of Reviews. He served as District Training Chair for 4 years, served on the District Committee for over 14 years, and served as Vice Chairman of the Sweetwater District. During his impressive 30+ years of Scouting, his leadership earned the District Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver Award, 2 Scouter’s Keys, and the District Legends Award.

The influence he had on his family and community was extraordinary.  He was a dependable friend, a respected mentor to countless Boy Scouts, and a loving family man. He could build you a house, tell you anything you want to know about history, predict the weather, laugh you under the table and give the best bear hugs. He was loyal, passionate, and generous to a fault. He would give you the shirt off his back and the last dime in his pocket if you needed it. He loved well and was well loved.

Visitation will be Friday, January 6, from 6:00 – 8:00pm, and Saturday, January 7, from 11:30am – 12:30 pm.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 7, at 1:00pm.