Max Elton Myers

Max Elton Myers HANAHAN - Max Elton Myers of Hanahan, SC, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Hanahan, Saturday, October 1, 2016, three weeks shy of his 82nd birthday. His beloved wife of 58 years, Rose Maree Jordan Myers, was, as always, by his side. He was surrounded by his family and friends and heard their loving farewells until his final journey began. Max was born in Montrose, WV, to Robert Luther Myers and Simella Canfield Myers on October 22nd, 1934, the youngest of 12 children. He grew up in Elkins, WV until moving to Rock Hill, SC after high school to work at a textile company near his brothers. It was during this time he tried to date his future wife, Rose Maree Jordan, who was a student at Winthrop College. While cruising the campus of Winthrop College in a brand new Chevrolet convertible that he could barely afford and smoking a big cigar, his numerous attempts to ask her out were total failures, as Rose Maree would have nothing to do with such a brazen tomcat. He enlisted in the Army in 1957, where he excelled in Rifle Marksmanship and received numerous medals for Good Conduct. He matured and polished up and after several years, he returned to Rock Hill while on leave, where he specifically sought out Rose Maree who was in her junior year. After one date, in which he took her to church, they continued a beautiful courtship through love letters while he finished his remaining two years stationed in Fort Hood, TX, and she finished her education at Winthrop. They were married in a simple ceremony in Kleine, TX on December 26, 1958. Max began a career working for CSX Railroad in 1960 in Florence, SC, and transferred to Charleston in 1962. At the age of 30, he lost his right leg while working as a switchman in a train crash in 1965, then transferred to a clerk position where he continued his career until he was 55. He walked on crutches and never allowed his disability to stop him from doing anything he wished and never allowed bitterness or self pity to dampen his spirits. He remained good friends with his Railroad family until his death. Max had many passions. He loved everything about nature, especially birds. He knew every species, right down to their songs and migratory patterns. He loved every variety of music, from hymns to Country to Rock-n- Roll and he often burst into song to fit the occasion. He played a harmonica like a pro and would tap his one foot and dance in his seat until a crowd gathered 'round. His energy and love of life was contagious. He loved history and followed current events, the weather and traffic better than any smart phone out there. He was the king of trivia and relished learning new and interesting facts, then torturing all of us with tests to see if we could learn them, too. When the Internet arrived, he marveled at the ability to gain access to any question and didn't hesitate to ask anyone to "Google that". He watched Jeopardy every night and often beat the winners in many categories. He thoroughly enjoyed playing cards and would rouse to the shuffling of a deck even during his worst health struggles. We have no doubt that his favorite game of Set Back is being played continuously in heaven with his many brothers, sisters, and family who have held a seat at the table ready for him for several years. It is a joyful homecoming filled with music and laughter. Max believed in random acts of kindness to all people without judgment or reservation. He truly loved unconditionally and lived his faith as a Christian man who made every decision based on whether or not he could meet Jesus and look Him straight in His eyes. He was a member of Highland Park Baptist Church in Hanahan. He never met a stranger and people were naturally drawn to him. He always went out of his way to make new friends, to brighten someone's life with a joke or funny story, or to just listen when a friend needed a strong shoulder. He was a loyal friend to all. Max was one of the most devoted husbands and fathers to ever inhabit this earth. There was nothing he would not do for his family. He is survived by his wife, Rose Maree Jordan Myers; two children and two grandchildren: his son, Wesley Max Myers; his daughter, Donna Maree Myers Knudsen (Neil Knudsen); and his two grandsons, Jacob Elton Myers and Brandon Michael Knudsen. They were the light of his life. His extended family of many siblings, nieces, nephews, and cousins were always close in his heart and mind and never forgotten on birthdays and special occasions. He could recall all of their names, their children's' names, and their grandchildren's names and where they resided until the very end. Such an amazing recall never ceases to amaze those of us that can't remember what we ate for breakfast. A special thank you to all of the doctors, nurses and technicians at Roper Hospital and Sandpiper Rehab, and especially to his caregivers, Nicole Anderson and Stephanie Broderick. Stephanie, who Dad called his "Jamaican Jerk" became a wonderful companion and avid competitor at Set Back. We are eternally grateful for these compassionate people. He is predeceased in death by his parents, Robert Luther and Simella Myers; three brothers, Leo Myers, Paul Myers, and Robert (Bob) Myers; seven sisters, Edna Toey, Doris (Dobie) Barrett, Marion Morrison, Midge Ross, Jean Ann Myers, and Edith Myers. The celebration of his life will be held at Carolina Memorial Gardens at 7113 Rivers Ave., North Charleston, SC. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, October 4th, 2016, between 6:00 and 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be at 1:00 pm Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at Highland Pak Baptist, with internment at Carolina Memorial. A reception at Highland Park Baptist is to follow in the reception hall. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston