Harvey Flinn Maxwell, Sr.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend, and devout Memphis Tigers Fan, Harvey Flinn Maxwell, Sr. passed away Friday, January 29, 2016 at 94 after a short illness. Lovingly known as Grandaddy, he was born May 29, 1921, in Birmingham, Alabama to John Drayton and Lucy Flinn Maxwell. He graduated from Messick High School where he began his football career and continued his education and love of athletics at Memphis State University now known as the University of Memphis. He graduated from Memphis State in 1946 earning his Bachelor of Science degree. Harvey served in WWII as a Marine and Naval Aviator and received an honorable discharge in 1945. Harvey was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, June Marie Wolbrecht Maxwell. Harvey leaves behind five children: Harvey Flinn Maxwell Jr. (Gwen), Patricia Maxwell Worley (Ernie), Cecelia Maxwell Grashot (Sonny), John Frederick Maxwell (Cindy), and Julie Maxwell Hays (Smith). He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Drayton Maxwell Hutton, Katie Maxwell Sullivan (Paul), Erin Ervin, Kyle Ervin, Justin Parr Worley (Annie Kate), Daniel Dalton Worley (Gabe), John Benjamin Maxwell, Jake Edward Maxwell, Melissa Marie Maxwell, Anna Louise Hays, and Harrison Dennis Hays, and his eight great-grandchildren: Abby, Hannah, and Marie Hutton, Parr, Weezie, and Walt Worley, June Worley, and future baby Sullivan. Lastly he leaves behind his caregivers, Jackie Young and BJ May. Harvey began his career with the International Business Machine Corporation (IBM) where he worked 30 plus years in Marketing and Management. While with IBM he received numerous awards such as Manager of the Year, President’s Award, Sales Executive Club, IBM 100% Club as well as numerous special assignments, including being named to the board of Sales and Marketing Executives International and developing the early retirement plan which he took advantage of when he was able to retire at the age of 55. His career at IBM first took him and his family from Memphis to Winston Salem, NC where Harvey was instrumental in the development and installation of the Clock Tower at Wake Forest University. IBM then took them to Richmond, VA and Baltimore, MD before finally returning to Memphis in 1967 at his personal request to bring his wife and family home. Once back in Memphis, Harvey remained active in business with the opening of Garibaldi Jewelry Store alongside Thomas Garibaldi where he found joy in opening the store and personally placing the watches in the cases before heading to Colonial to play golf and gin rummy. Harvey and his wife June had a full life together and participated in many local organizations. They were members of RaMet Secret Society of the Memphis Cotton Carnival and Colonial Country Club where he was an avid golfer and bridge player. He was an active member of the Mississippi Senior Golf Association as well as a charter member of the Liberty Bowl Organization. Upon his return to Memphis, he passionately supported his alma mater, Memphis State University. He was charter member of the Memphis Quarterback Club and served as President and Chairman. Harvey was the Memphis State University Alumni President in 1974-75. He received the Outstanding Alumni Award in 1971 and the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1979. He was instrumental in having the University of Memphis Foundation State Charter approved and served as its first President from 1970-74. Harvey was a dedicated fan of his Memphis Tigers and attended many football and basketball games during his lifetime. He attended his last basketball game January 16, 2016 where he cheered his Tigers on to a 71-56 victory against USF. He attended services at Second Baptist Church Memphis, and felt a particular connection to Saint Louis Catholic Church where his wife and children attended. He treasured spending time with his family and friends who loved him and was their loving and constant support and mentor. If there was ever a model of how to live a full life, he was it, and he will be greatly missed.