Although I didnt know him very well, he was, and is, still my friend. I still remember how he joked around sometimes

i met max in 8th grade right when i switched tracks at holly grove. he always lit up every room no matter the time, whether it was messing around in social studies at the end of the day, or getting into food fights at lunch, he always put a smile on everyone’s face and could make an entire room laugh. my thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family, along with his girlfriend and her family, as well as his close friends. his legacy will be remembered forever

I love you dear Max. 
I will miss you forever. Life will never  be the same without you. Our time together was too short and I am forever thankful to have been your Aunt.

Max you were my first grandchild… with you I became a grammie. I delighted in every little thing about you. Your giggles when I would pretend to throw a ball at two year old you. Your easy giggles and desire to make your family laugh. Yet at the same time you were so thoughtful . Smart beyond your years and so curious. How even when you were becoming a teen , you always thought your grammie was fun. You made me feel special. You had a gift for making others feel special. You were a gift to so many who got to see your tender heart. You were so much your mama’s boy in looks, determination, cleverness, and desire to be your best.
You will be loved forever and I will miss you and your mama as long as I live.

Max with his youngest cousin Victor. Oldest cousin and youngest cousin❤️

Rest in Peace Max ,praying for peace and God's love for  your family .
Robert ,Cleo ,Chris Stewart.

This photo is from homecoming- a very special night that our girl will always remember with your sweet Max.

We had the honor of knowing Max and spending a lot of time with him over the last 6 months.  We made him play board games with our family, tag along on errands, and sadly we were witnesses to his terrible ping pong skills. He was very smart and had a great sense of humor and it was a lot of fun getting to know him. Like a typical 14 year old boy, he usually tried to play it cool but would also giggle at the smallest things.. He was so loving and kind to our daughter and made her feel special every day. Despite all he had been through, he was still able to laugh and bring those around him joy. We will always remember him fondly and are so glad we got the chance to know him. We are among the many whose lives he touched and he will be missed greatly by everyone in our family.

Afternoon carpool after the first day of high school.

Getting buried in corn at the pumpkin farm.

Max was a very close friend of mine. I met him when I was in 6th grade, he was one of the most genuine people I ever knew, he was always nice to everyone and included everybody , he would always put a smile on people face no matter what. He helped me get through so much and I was lucky to have a friend like max. I cannot believe that he’s gone know. Sending prayers to all.

Max joined my track at Holly Grove middle school in 7th grade. I didn’t have many classes with him, but the times him and I interacted were some of the best times that I will cherish deeply in my heart. I struggled with kids being mean to me all throughout elementary and middle school, and I remember I have been having a hard time and I thought nobody noticed. But Max did. He texted me and told me how it’s hard when people are mean to us but that he was on my side and things do get better. Earlier this year he started dating one of my closest friends, Bentley. He made her the happiest I have ever seen her. I will never forget seeing Max and Bentley together at lunch, standing and laughing in the lunch line together, or hanging out with them at Friday night football games. I will always remember Max as a funny outgoing person, who was never afraid to be himself and was always there for others.

Dear Kevin, Brant, Richard, Kaye, Johann, Debra, Bentley, extended family and friends,

We are so very sorry for the loss of Max. There are no words, and yet, if there were, they would never be enough. The compounded grief of losing Max right after the loss of his mother, Amy, is beyond our comprehension. We simply cannot understand what we can't even imagine. Just the mere thought of your pain, floods our souls with pure heartache and sorrow. As a parent, we all know that we would do anything to take the place of our child. But no one ever wants to take the place of a parent who has just lost their child. You are living every parent's worst nightmare. I am so, so sorry that you are going through this. Please know that we will continue to keep you, and all of your loved ones and friends in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time.

Max will never be forgotten. Our hope is that Max's legacy will live on through Brandon's testimony, and others will get to know God because of Brandon and Max.

Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted."

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit"

Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

John 11:35 "Jesus wept."

Revelation 21:4 "He will wipe every tear from their eyes." 

When you are thirsty, go to the well. John 4:14, “But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

With Our Deepest Sympathies,
The Russell Family
(Kathleen, Rich, Amber, Brandon & Connor)

"Oh My Soul" - Casting Crowns
https://youtu.be/Tn5aq54yu8A?si=iguYOwmevu3rZKGH

I didn’t know Max very well. I only knew him through his girlfriend, Bentley, who he loved so so much and would do anything for her.  Max was such an amazingly friendly person who can make anyone laugh. It’s so sad to see him gone unexpectedly and I’m praying for Max’s family and friends. Rest easy 🕊️

I still remember laying in bed with my sister dreaming of the babies we would someday maybe have. Swinging together in the hammock when she found out she was pregnant with Max and dreaming of the baby to come and how much we would love him or her. I was so young and broke and made little baby sock roses for the shower we planned because he was already just so loved. She always dreamed of having boys, and when Max was born we felt so lucky because it was just like we dreamed. When her next son Brant and my daughter Charlotte was born we were convinced all the dreaming had paid off with our beautiful babies. It’s a loss that is indescribable and I still don’t feel quite back in my body yet. My only is relief is knowing he is with the mama who dreamed of him from her earliest years and loved him with a ferocity. That the years he was here with us were spent being so loved.

Buddies reunited in 2024, they started Kindergarten together at Holly Grove and while  they were separated with Covid, years later they got together like they never left each others class!

Kevin was never going to catch up in height

This was Max and Amy in 5th grade on the playground. Max was in a “no photos” phase, but I told him I would just keep taking them until I got one of him and his momma, he obliged and smiled for us .. perfect photo of them. Two amazing people that loved with all their heart, laughed with all they had and always made others laugh. Both so very smart and deeply missed.

Max  with his kindergarten friends lochlan and Kevin.  Max and Kevin used to get in trouble in class and kept getting separated, but much like magnets, they were just attracted to each others sense of fun.

Max feeding a giraffe at the zoo towards the end of Kindergarten

Max and Kevin , they were not the same in height, but perfect together <3

Max would and did play with anyone and everyone

When Max was playing on this, a little girl about 6 wanted to play too and he was so great with her.. much like this video, he let the little girl succeed in knocking him into the pit. And both times with a huge smile!

I love this was. He was jumping and flipping around and loving it.

Max at Kevin’s birthday party last year. He was having so much fun, he had a great smile!

This is one of Kevin’s (my son) favorite pictures of his buddy Max. When you ask him why, he’ll tell you, “because it’s Max, just being Max”. Whenever he would sleepover, my son couldn’t get enough of Max, it’s one friend he’d had since Kindergarten and their love of life and all things just silly bonded them. He’s greatly missed already. lLM

max was one of the most funniest, kindest people ive ever met. you were such a good boyfriend to bentley. we all miss you. LLM

I'm just hearing about this story and seeing his obituary but from what i've  seen and heard Max was an amazing and kind soul. Much love to the family and the friends of this amazing child
Love from Fuquay-Varina, NC

Max was such a funny, sweet, and thoughtful person. We all miss him so much. Sending love and prayers to his family, friends, and girlfriend. We miss you max, fly high 🕊️.

Once at my soccer game I got hurt and couldn't walk but Max was there for me and he carried me to the car. I'll never forget all the kind things he did.

the worst ping pong player ive ever met ❤️

TKD families always there to support each other ♥️

Max was an amazing soul! The world was blessed to have you. You were a light in this world and will forever be missed. We do not always understand God’s plan, but I pray that you have found peace in the loving arms of your mom. We will be keeping Kevin, Brant and the rest of your family and friends in our hearts and prayers.

I wasn’t personally close to Max but had spoken to him at times and could tell he was the sweetest soul of many and one of the nicest, I have deep prayers for you and your family. You will forever be loved by us all and may God let you in the pearly gates of Heaven 🖤

I never personally met max, but his impact on our community is present and will be forever. My heartfelt sorrow goes out to the dunham family. Its tough enough to loose a wife, but now a kid, nobody can fathom that pain ever. I wish to have met max. Rest easy bro.

I am so sorry for your losses. Max was an amazing friend and an amazing person overall. No matter what he was going through,  he always managed to make people laugh or just be there for them, everyone misses him so much, he was very loved. LLM

Rest in peace max can't believe that your not here with us but now you are in a better place my friend, Every single day I can't stop thinking about what happened and i am deeply saddened by this tragic accident you were such an amazing guy and I hope you are in a better place, Rest in peace my friend.

You were a really great friend and really cool guy. Ill never forget you and all the times you made me laugh. Ill miss you man.

So sorry for your loss. Words cannot express the sadness for your family - praying for peace and God’s love for your family. 
Lee

To the Dunham Family, 
Our hearts break for you for the loss of Max.  We heard about him frequently and he was described as sweet, kind, funny, and smart.  We hope that you are surrounded by love and support during this tremendous loss.  
Anita & Peter Harris Nicholls

My deepest condolence to You and the family. I pray that God will comfort you in this time of need. My heart goes out to You Mr. Kevin. sending prayers and hugs to You.

Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Dunham family. Our daughter had the privilege of sharing History class with Max and often spoke about what a wonderful person he was—kind, genuine, and full of light. We are holding your family close in our thoughts and prayers. Max will always be remembered as a beloved friend, son, grandson, and brother—forever cherished and never forgotten.

You were such a funny person and a great friend. Rest easy🕊️

This is very heart breaking. My daughter remembers Max from taekwondo and was partnered with him during one of their drills. He was kind to her.They both received blackbelts in November. My prayers and deepest condolences to the Dunham family. I pray you find comfort with your loved ones during this time.

I was Max's 1st grade teacher at HGES. (Mrs. Noll). I am so heartbroken to hear about his passing.   I was going through my pictures I took during that school year and found these.  Many prayers for the whole family.

Our hearts are breaking for you all. All our love at this time of incredible loss and grief.

My deepest condolences to Kevin, Brandt, the family and friends on this tragical loss. My heart is just broken 😢. I got to hold Max when he was a baby while living in Michigan. He was such a sweet and lovable baby! I just can’t believe he is gone. 😭

I didn't get to meet Max, but I know his Grammy Debra and know how dearly he was loved and cherished by his family. Sending much love and prayers for each family member on this unthinkable loss.

We are so very sorry to hear of this tremendous loss. Max was funny and intelligent and my kids loved being around him. We were talking yesterday about the time he was showing off his taekwondo skills and Charlie's pinky got in the way and broke. Amy felt so badly about it, but I was impressed he had that much strength in his kick. We'll treasure that memory. Sending lots of love to you all.

OBITUARY

Max Alan Dunham

March 6, 2011 – October 26, 2025

Apex Funeral Home

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