Max Bill Osceola Jr.

Max Bill Osceola Jr. passed away on October 8, 2020. Max Bill Osceola Jr. was born in August 1950 in Hollywood, and grew up on the Hollywood Seminole Reservation. He graduated from McArthur High School in Hollywood and attended the University of Tampa, where he played college football. He graduated from the University of Miami and was a fervent supporter of Miami Hurricanes Football.

He was an elected Seminole Tribal Council representative from the Hollywood Seminole Reservation from 1985 through 2010, according to a Tribe spokesman. During his tenure, the tribe expanded its gambling operations and oversaw the construction of many attractions, including the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, one of the largest tourist destinations in Broward County.

In addition to his stewardship of the Seminole tribe and their properties, he was also known for his lively personality.

“He was perhaps best known for his smile, infectious laugh and constant barrage of quips and one-liners, often referring to ‘BC’ as the time ‘before casinos’ at the Seminole Tribe. 

The tribe considered Osceola an “ambassador to the South Florida community,” applauding his support of region’s tourism industry and other community activities, including the Boys and Girls Clubs, Ann Storck Center and Winterfest.

In 2005, when he was the council’s vice chairman, Osceola supported a resolution approving the use of the Seminole name and associated logos by the Florida State Seminoles college football team — the use of Native American names, logos and mascots continue to be a source of controversy in professional and college athletics, with the Washington, D.C., NFL team abandoning its name earlier this year.

In addition to his wife, Marge, Max is survived by his son Max Osceola III, daughter Melissa Osceola DeMayo, daughter Meaghan Osceola, son Jeff Pelage, as well as several sisters and brothers, grandchildren and extended family.

Funeral services will be private. A celebration of life will take place at some future time.

In lieu of flowers the family ask donations be made to The AMERICAN INDIAN GRADUATE CENTER-Max Osceola Memorial Scholarship Fund. You can direct all contributions to ¿¿www.aigcs.org¿¿