Maxey Powell

Memorial services for Maxey Powell will be held on Wednesday, February 6th, 2019 at 12:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Thomasville. Mr. Powell passed away peacefully at home on February 3rd, 2019. Byron Maxey Powell was born on June 13, 1933 in Gainesville, Florida. He moved with his family to Thomasville in the 40’s where his father built the Thomasville Motor Court, completed in 1945 on VJ Day. The family was active in the Dawson Street Methodist Church. His father donated the stones for the church and later the siblings donated the stones for the adjacent building. He graduated from Thomasville High School in 1952 and has remained active in the Alumni Association and annual class reunions. He attended Florida State University and later joined the Navy where he served from 1956 to 1962 aboard the USS Saratoga. He was a carrier pilot, flying the AD Skyraider, and he cruised the Mediterranean. In 1957 he married Jean Brown. They joined the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an usher. He served as president of Glen Arven Country Club and was on the Board of Directors at Brookwood School as well as being the chairman of the boosters club. He was also the chairman of the Thomas County Republican Party. Maxey began his restaurant career with Colonel Sanders, opening and running several KFC locations, including the one in Thomasville on Smith Avenue. He also opened The Roman Gate, and later the very popular Maxey’s Fried Chicken. He has raised chickens and soy beans on his old farm off the Lower Boston Road, has sold insurance for Mutual of Omaha and has continued to run the motor inn. An avid traveler, Maxey has been around the world and visited every continent except Antarctica. He loved fishing, both fresh and salt, and was the captain of many successful scalloping trips. He is survived by his two sons, Ray and David, his longtime friend and fishing partner, Ione West, as well as many other family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Thomasville Oncology Center or the Thomas County Food Bank. Visitors may sign the online guest register at www.allenfh.com .