Amory – Tommy O’Neil Maxey, 65, died on Sunday, December 25, 2011, at Gilmore Memorial Regional Medical Center. Born on May 30, 1946, in Amory, he was a son of Claudine Goodwin Maxey and the late Thomas H. Maxey.
Full of life, Tommy graduated from Hatley High School, Class of 1964. He married Carolyn McCommon on April 1, 1966. After more than 30 years of service to his country, Tommy retired from the US Army National Guard. Having worked several years in the Shipping Department at True Temper Sports, he retired in April 2010. While at True Temper, Tommy had served as President of True Temper Steelworkers Association. A member of First United Methodist Church, he served on the Administrative Board. Always smiling and laughing, he enjoyed fellowship with his friends, whether it be while drinking coffee, eating, or reminiscing about the past. Tommy had a passion for children, especially St. Jude, and for cars and trucks. He enjoyed stock car racing, golf, and antique sales.
He is survived by his mother, Claudine Maxey, Hatley; sister, Brenda Adair (Doug), Plantersville; sister-in-law, Sweetie Hill (Bob), Becker; caregiver who was like a sister, Judi Horne, Amory; nieces and nephew, Angela Fowler (Heath), Auburn, AL, Karen Barrett (Wes), New Hope, John Hill (Tracy), Hernando; great-nieces and nephews, John Wesley, Rachel, Luke, Adam, and Lauren Barrett; and Jacob and Christian Hill; and numerous cousins and friends.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Carolyn Maxey, to whom he was very devoted.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1 PM, Tuesday, December 27 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Rev. Warren Coile and Rev. Don McCain officiating. Burial will follow in Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be John Hill, Wes Barrett, John Maxey, Eric White, Jimmy Morgan, Larry Tartt, James Tate, and Pete Patterson. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Wayne Harlow, Lynn Todd, John Wesley Barrett, Luke Barrett, Adam Barrett, Jacob Hill, Christian Hill, Eli White, Earl Bunch, Doug Dean, Dennis Coleman, Johnny Coleman, and Sonny Capps.
Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Monday at the funeral home.
Memorials may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; to First United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 147, Amory, MS 38821; or a charity of choice.
Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.