William Vernon Maxwell

Mr. William Vernon “Billy” Maxwell, 90, of Royston, finished his course in faith on Saturday, March 14, 2020, at his residence.

A native of Elberton, Mr. Maxwell was born on January 19, 1930, son of the late John Chester Maxwell and Laura Bea Clark Maxwell. He was a graduate of Elberton High School and served his country faithfully in both the U.S. Navy and Army National Guard. Billy spent his working career in hospital administration having worked at Elbert Memorial Hospital in Elberton as the Head of Emergency Medical Technicians and Assistant Administrator, TyCobb Memorial Hospital in Royston as Administrator, and Clinch Memorial Hospital in Homerville as Administrator.

Mr. Maxwell was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed playing golf and volunteering at Highland Walk Golf Course. He was a member of Compassion Church in Hartwell and of the American Legion. Billy was blessed with two wives: Grace ‘Carolyn’ Acker Maxwell and Thelma Griffis Williams Maxwell, both of whom preceded him in death. “Pops”, as he was lovingly called by his family, was a man of great faith and family. His greatest accomplishment was his family, and he was extremely proud of them all.

“Pops” leaves behind his children: Janet and Bruce Ballard of The Villages, FL, Laura Veal of Charleston, SC, and Rev. Chris and Debbie Maxwell of Royston; special companion, Martha Stratton Hunt of Elberton; step-daughter, Bonny and Henry Moylan of Homerville; step-son-in-law, Richard and Lori Henderson of Waycross; grandchildren: Petrea and Tim Adams, Lacie and Stephen Dove, Jake and Jessi Brown, Emily and Brandon Ames, John and Amber Ballard, Taylor and Brittany Maxwell, Aaron and Amber Maxwell, and Graham and Ginni Maxwell; seventeen great-grandchildren; sisters: Winnie Beaucaire and Bonnie Babcock; sister-in-law, Christina Munumer Maxwell; and nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to name.

In addition to his parents and wives, he is preceded in death by his step-daughter, Penny Henderson; brother, Don Maxwell; and son-in-law, Hugh Veal, Jr.

Memorial services celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, June 27, at 11 o'clock in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with Revs. Chris Maxwell and Tim Adams officiating. Inurnment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park with military rites.

The family will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00p.m. on Friday, June 26.

For the safety of everyone, the family requests everyone attending services to please practice social distancing and wear masks.

Flowers will be accepted and contributions may be made in his memory to T.J. & Friends Foundation, P.O. Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635 or to Emmanuel College, P.O. Box 129, Franklin Springs, GA, 30639.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mr. William Vernon “Billy” Maxwell.