Albert Bryan "Bert" Maxwell Sr.

Born in Moultrie, Georgia, on November 10, 1936, Bert was the only son of A. Bryan Maxwell and Katherine Wilkes Maxwell.

Bert was an All-State football player at Nashville High School, where he served as the Senior Class President for the Class of 1954. In 1958, he graduated from the University of Georgia, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Bert then served in the United States Army Reserves for ten years. He married the love of his life, Patricia Lane Wood, on January 24, 1960, in Douglas, Georgia. They moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida, where they lived for twenty years.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Bert devoted his career to his family’s retail businesses. He opened many stores throughout the Southeast, including Dixieland Five-n-Dime, Super Dollar, and Athletic Wearhouse. While living in Florida, Bert founded the Amelia Island Bank, developed the Piney Island subdivision, and opened a shopping center in Vidalia, Georgia. In 1974, he received the Most Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Georgia’s College of Business Administration. Always dedicated to the communities in which he lived, Bert was a member of the Kiwanis Club in Fernandina Beach, Florida, and the Rotary Club in Athens, Georgia. He was also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).

A legacy left to his friends and family is Bert’s faith in Jesus Christ. He was a faithful disciple of the Lord and shared his faith with everyone. A lifelong member of the Methodist Church, he held the Methodist Church record of consecutive Sunday School attendance, with 74 years of perfect attendance.

Bert was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He always had a special twinkle in his eye, a “Try God” pin on his lapel, and chocolate ice cream in the freezer. “Pop-Pop” to his grandchildren, Bert was full of stories and fun facts. He made delicious “Pop-Pop” milkshakes and was always a reliable source for a hidden M&M stash. He loved learning about nature (especially grizzly bears, snakes, and alligators), cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, and enjoying a meal from the Varsity.

Bert is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia. His children include Bryan Maxwell (Tandy) of Winder, GA; Michael Maxwell (Kathy) of St. Johns, FL; and Patti Snow (Matt) of Charlotte, NC. His grandchildren include Emily Snow, Mattox Snow, Morgan Maxwell, and Bert Maxwell. He was pre-deceased by his parents and his sister, Sandra Maxwell Bohlender.

On Saturday, February 6, a private burial for the immediate family will be held. A celebration of Bert’s life will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Athens First United Methodist Church in memory of Bert Maxwell: 327 N. Lumpkin Street, Athens, GA 30601.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com