Celebrating the life of
The Rev. George M. Maxwell
September 11, 1930 - August 28, 2016
SAVANNAH - The Reverend George M. Maxwell died on Sunday, August 28. George was born in Augusta, GA on September 11, 1930, and was the second of three sons of Mr. and Mrs. Grover Cleveland Maxwell. George was graduated from Richmond Academy in 1947 and the Virginia Military Institute in 1951, where he was on the golf and diving teams, and earned a degree in electrical engineering. He then served in the Air Force until 1954. These years in military settings gave George a talent for being on time, having things well-organized, and being prepared.
George was married to Virginia Dunlap Towill in 1954 at St. Paul’s in Augusta and they moved to Columbia, SC where George managed a furniture store that was part of his family’s business. He attended confirmation classes at Trinity Episcopal Church, but, according to Virginia, “The classes did not take.” They tried a second time with better results and soon found their way to Virginia Theological Seminary. George was graduated from the seminary in 1961. “We were convinced it was a call from God,” Virginia once said, “because we would have never thought of it.” George was ordained to the diaconate at Trinity, Columbia in 1961, and was immediately sent to be the vicar of St. Christopher’s in Spartanburg SC. He was ordained to the priesthood at the Church of the Advent, Spartanburg in 1962. Father Maxwell’s next move was to become the assistant rector at the Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, Florida, and two years later he was called to become the rector of Holy Comforter in Sumter, S. C. In December 1973, Father Maxwell became the 39th rector of Christ Church, Savannah. Father Maxwell was a Fellow at the College of Preachers three times and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. After his retirement in 1991, Father Maxwell was appointed Spiritual Director of the Diocese of Georgia, and has continued to serve as the spiritual director for numerous deacons and priests.
Virginia still lives in Savannah. She and George had three children: George, Jr., who is an Episcopal priest in Atlanta; John (Nella), who is a real estate agent in Savannah; and Anne (Bill Hussey), who is an Episcopal priest in Covington, LA. They also had eight grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at Christ Church Episcopal at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 31.
If you want to honor Father Maxwell’s ministry, you can make a donation to Christ Church Episcopal or another charity of your choice.
Please sign our on-line guest book at www.foxandweeks.com
REST WELL BROTHER RAT.
- HOBART RICHEY, ALLISON PARK, Pennsylvania
George and I were very good friends during grammar school and the Academy, where George was a cadet captain his senior year. He was also an outstanding golfer. On many a spring afternoon I wd walk over to the course at Augusta C. C. and follow George, Walker Inman, and Billy Phinizy during their practice rounds and matches. It was especially fun to see George hit drives off the tee--he put so much zest and excitement into his drives. I regret never seeing George after his ordination. My sincerest condolences to all the family.
- Brian Merry, Ft Oglethorpe, Georgia
I am saddened to hear about your loss of Father Maxwell. He has touched many people in SC and GA. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Beth Propst, Florence, SC
George and I grew up together though he was a little too young to play for the McDowell Street Bull Dogs (football team). He did play softball with us in the backyard and skate hockey on McDowell Street.( When the police came we all ran to his backyard) Much love in Christ Barry Whitney
- Barry Whitney, Augusta, Ga.
Our lives were touched many times by George Maxwell. When Murray was 16 years old, she was godmother for her niece Cecily McCowen in Spartanburg--and George Maxwell officiated at the ceremony. Murray's uncle and aunt, George and Gail McCowen, were members of George Maxwell's church there. When Father Maxwell became rector at Christ Church in Savannah; George, Murray, and their young daughter Wendy were church members. Father Maxwell later baptized younger daughter Katey in 1978--at a service attended by George and Gail McCowen (then of Salem, Oregon) and their children Cecily and Duncan. Later Wendy was confirmed at Christ Church. George enjoyed teaching John Maxwell at SCDS. The Sellers family extends love to the extended family of this wonderful man!
- Murray and George Sellers, Lexington, SC
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this very difficult time (2Cor1:3,4) Jehovah's Witnesses -Pooler,Ga
- , ,
Dear Maxwell family, Just read the obituary for Father Maxwell in the Item. I have many good memories of school days with "George Jr." in Sumter and high respect for Father Maxwell's many years of service to Christ. Praying for your family during this time. Robby
- Robby Richardson, North Muskegon, MI
Reverend Maxwell and my father, Dr. Fred Adams were close friends and enjoyed playing golf and each other's company in Spartanburg and elsewhere over many years. I remember their good times together, watching them smile and laugh with my mother, Doris, and George's wife Virginia, at our home on Barberry Lane. I wish to thank Reverend Maxwell and his family for their contribution of joy and happiness, as well as spiritual guidance to my family. Most sincerely,
- Rob Adams, Augusta, Ga
So sorry for your loss. I was a member of Holy Comforter in Sumter SC.
- Margo Brennan, Cottageville, Sc
I worked with his daughter Anne when she was a new counselor just out of Boston College. This was around 1991-92 in Charlotte, NC. Even back then, Anne felt a calling to attend seminary. I moved to Orlando, Fla, and then Savannah, where I attended Christ Church. Reverend Maxwell had just retired. I never got to personally know Reverend Maxwell or his wife, but they raised a child who will always be special to me, and someone that can carry his legacy.
- Larry C. Hayes, PhD, Savannah, Ga
My condolences to the family of Rev. George Maxwell. I knew him for many decades and recognized what a fine, polite and friendly person he was.
- Stanley Harris, Jr., Savannah, GA
VIRGINIA, DIANE AND I WERE SHOCKED TO HEAR THE SAD NEWS, BUT ADMIRE YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING THE PERSON YOU ARE, AND FOR BEING IN CHURCH SUNDAY, GEORGE WAS A TRUE FRIEND, AND HELPED ME OUT OVER THE YEARS, ALONG WITH SO MANY OTHERS I WILL MISS HIM. HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON.
- SPENCER CONNERAT, LAKEMONT, GA
We are so saddened to learn the we have lost George. We have so many fond memories associated with George. The impact that he had on so many will long live. Anna and Harry Swicord Savannah/Statesboro, Ga
- , ,
We were saddened to hear of George,s passing. I went to him from time to time for Spiritual Direction and he heard my confession the Sarurday before Easter.. He was a wise priest and friend.you are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Fr. Bob and Jan Carter, Savannah, GA
It is with sadness and fond memories Betty and I read of Fr. Maxwell's passing. He married us in Christ Church in 1980 and was rector for many years. Our daughter, Mary, remembers him when she was a small child and says she always thought "He is what God looks like." I will always remember his kindness when we decided to leave the Episcopal Church and become Roman Catholic. It is our prayer that our shared faith will give the entire Maxwell family comfort during this sad time and in the future.
- Mr. and Mrs. Billy S. Wilson, Jr., Savannah, GA
George was a wonderful priest and a great friend. We will miss his presence in the Diocese and in our lives.
- Fr Peter and Happy Ingeman, Valdosta, GA
REST WELL BROTHER RAT.
- HOBART RICHEY, ALLISON PARK, Pennsylvania
George and I were very good friends during grammar school and the Academy, where George was a cadet captain his senior year. He was also an outstanding golfer. On many a spring afternoon I wd walk over to the course at Augusta C. C. and follow George, Walker Inman, and Billy Phinizy during their practice rounds and matches. It was especially fun to see George hit drives off the tee--he put so much zest and excitement into his drives. I regret never seeing George after his ordination. My sincerest condolences to all the family.
- Brian Merry, Ft Oglethorpe, Georgia
I am saddened to hear about your loss of Father Maxwell. He has touched many people in SC and GA. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
- Beth Propst, Florence, SC
George and I grew up together though he was a little too young to play for the McDowell Street Bull Dogs (football team). He did play softball with us in the backyard and skate hockey on McDowell Street.( When the police came we all ran to his backyard) Much love in Christ Barry Whitney
- Barry Whitney, Augusta, Ga.
Our lives were touched many times by George Maxwell. When Murray was 16 years old, she was godmother for her niece Cecily McCowen in Spartanburg--and George Maxwell officiated at the ceremony. Murray's uncle and aunt, George and Gail McCowen, were members of George Maxwell's church there. When Father Maxwell became rector at Christ Church in Savannah; George, Murray, and their young daughter Wendy were church members. Father Maxwell later baptized younger daughter Katey in 1978--at a service attended by George and Gail McCowen (then of Salem, Oregon) and their children Cecily and Duncan. Later Wendy was confirmed at Christ Church. George enjoyed teaching John Maxwell at SCDS. The Sellers family extends love to the extended family of this wonderful man!
- Murray and George Sellers, Lexington, SC
May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this very difficult time (2Cor1:3,4) Jehovah's Witnesses -Pooler,Ga
- , ,
Dear Maxwell family, Just read the obituary for Father Maxwell in the Item. I have many good memories of school days with "George Jr." in Sumter and high respect for Father Maxwell's many years of service to Christ. Praying for your family during this time. Robby
- Robby Richardson, North Muskegon, MI
Reverend Maxwell and my father, Dr. Fred Adams were close friends and enjoyed playing golf and each other's company in Spartanburg and elsewhere over many years. I remember their good times together, watching them smile and laugh with my mother, Doris, and George's wife Virginia, at our home on Barberry Lane. I wish to thank Reverend Maxwell and his family for their contribution of joy and happiness, as well as spiritual guidance to my family. Most sincerely,
- Rob Adams, Augusta, Ga
So sorry for your loss. I was a member of Holy Comforter in Sumter SC.
- Margo Brennan, Cottageville, Sc
I worked with his daughter Anne when she was a new counselor just out of Boston College. This was around 1991-92 in Charlotte, NC. Even back then, Anne felt a calling to attend seminary. I moved to Orlando, Fla, and then Savannah, where I attended Christ Church. Reverend Maxwell had just retired. I never got to personally know Reverend Maxwell or his wife, but they raised a child who will always be special to me, and someone that can carry his legacy.
- Larry C. Hayes, PhD, Savannah, Ga
My condolences to the family of Rev. George Maxwell. I knew him for many decades and recognized what a fine, polite and friendly person he was.
- Stanley Harris, Jr., Savannah, GA
VIRGINIA, DIANE AND I WERE SHOCKED TO HEAR THE SAD NEWS, BUT ADMIRE YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING THE PERSON YOU ARE, AND FOR BEING IN CHURCH SUNDAY, GEORGE WAS A TRUE FRIEND, AND HELPED ME OUT OVER THE YEARS, ALONG WITH SO MANY OTHERS I WILL MISS HIM. HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON.
- SPENCER CONNERAT, LAKEMONT, GA
We are so saddened to learn the we have lost George. We have so many fond memories associated with George. The impact that he had on so many will long live. Anna and Harry Swicord Savannah/Statesboro, Ga
- , ,
We were saddened to hear of George,s passing. I went to him from time to time for Spiritual Direction and he heard my confession the Sarurday before Easter.. He was a wise priest and friend.you are in our thoughts and prayers.
- Fr. Bob and Jan Carter, Savannah, GA
It is with sadness and fond memories Betty and I read of Fr. Maxwell's passing. He married us in Christ Church in 1980 and was rector for many years. Our daughter, Mary, remembers him when she was a small child and says she always thought "He is what God looks like." I will always remember his kindness when we decided to leave the Episcopal Church and become Roman Catholic. It is our prayer that our shared faith will give the entire Maxwell family comfort during this sad time and in the future.
- Mr. and Mrs. Billy S. Wilson, Jr., Savannah, GA
George was a wonderful priest and a great friend. We will miss his presence in the Diocese and in our lives.
- Fr Peter and Happy Ingeman, Valdosta, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
