Ernest Reicker Maxwell, 74, of Peachtree City, Ga., died at home, surrounded by family members, on September 20, 2016, after a courageous four-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ernie was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on July 17, 1942, to Catherine and Ernest Maxwell. He graduated from Central Bucks High School in Doylestown, Pa., in 1960, and Westchester University in Westchester, Pa., in 1964, with a degree in Music. He was a pilot in the United States Air Force from 1964 to 1970, and did a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he became a pilot for Delta Airlines, retiring as Captain after 33 years of service. He was an accomplished musician, and over the past 20 years, played trombone in churches and other venues throughout Georgia. Ernie was a phenomenal husband, father, and friend. He was a life-long learner who loved the challenges of building houses, riding motorcycles, and being on the open water.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Maxwell; and his maternal and paternal grandparents. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kristi McKinney Maxwell; his daughter, Amanda Maxwell of Newnan, Ga.; his sons, Ryan Maxwell of Peachtree City, Ga., and Matthew (Kristi) Maxwell of Newnan, Ga.; his mother, Catherine Maxwell, of Lansdale, PA; his sister, Jane (Jay) Daveler of Lansdale, Pa.; his mother-in-law, Jocelyn McKinney, of Peachtree City, Ga.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Visitation will be held at Mowell Funeral Home, Peachtree City, from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, September 25, with funeral services to be held at First Presbyterian Church, Peachtree City, at 2 p.m. on Monday, September 26. Interment will be in Westminster Memorial Gardens, Peachtree City, Ga. In honor of Ernie’s love of music and years of dedication to excellence in worship music at First Presbyterian Church, Peachtree City, the family asks that memorial contributions be sent to the Music Fund, First Presbyterian Church, 206 Willowbend Road, Peachtree City, Ga,, 30269, or to The Summit Presbyterian Church, 1373 Hwy. 92S, Fayetteville, Ga. 30215.
