Herschel Maxey

Herschel Maxey of Decatur, Georgia, born December 24, 1924, entered into eternal life on June 28, 2022.  Herschel spent his youth in Watkinsville, Georgia and later moved to Decatur, Georgia where he raised his family.  He is survived by his wife, Imogene Rutledge Maxey, his wife of 66 years, his son Gregory Maxey and his wife Daria and his son David Maxey.  Herschel has 4 grandchildren, Andrew (Christy) Maxey, Tyler (Lindsay) Maxey, Brooks Buckner and Duffy Buckner in addition to seven great-grandchildren and a sister, Martha Arman. He is preceded in death by his brother Stephen P. Maxey, and a daughter-in-law, Sharon Maxey.

Herschel joined the U.S. Navy during World War II serving as an Aviation Ordnanceman, Second Class. He attended Georgia Tech following his military service and began his career with the architectural firm Abreu and Robeson Inc. Prior to his retirement, he worked for several years as a registered architect with the Department of Building, Fulton County, Georgia.  Herschel and Imogene raised their two sons in a home that he designed and built by his own hand in Decatur, Georgia.

Herschel was a true Renaissance man.  He was an avid gardener, and his boyhood roots of living on a farm brought him a love of flowers from planting of seeds, clippings and bulbs.  He enjoyed cooking and often utilized the bounty of his garden in preparing meals for his family in addition to potluck meals at his longtime church, First Christian Church of Decatur. Herschel was an active member and an Elder Emeritus of the church serving on many boards and committees including the Building Board, Christian Men’s Fellowship, Fun and Travel Club, and the Christmas Tree Sale. After several years of creating beautiful handmade wreaths from the clippings of the trees, Herschel soon became known as the Wreath Man. He was featured in the Atlanta newspaper with a pictorial of him and his wreaths, which were often requested by many people near and far since each was an original.  Herschel and Imogene enjoyed square dancing and after retirement, enjoyed traveling on cruises to many parts of the world.

A private graveside service is being held for family.   There will be a memorial service for Herschel at the First Christian Church of Decatur on Sunday, August 7^th at 1:00PM and friends and family are invited.