Cecil Rogers "Max" Maxson Jr.

1931 - 2022

Cecil Rogers "Max" Maxson Jr.

10/01/1931 - December 8, 2022

Cecil Rogers "Max" Maxson Jr., 91, a native of Richmond, died on December 8, 2022. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Ann Shirlee Garrett Maxson; daughters, Evelyn (Eve) Maxson Hopper (Greg) of Midlothian and Susan Maxson Lyons (Charles) of Vienna, Virginia; along with grandchildren, Linda Catherine Lyons and Charles Maxson Lyons, also of Vienna. He was predeceased by his parents, Cecil R. Maxson and Anne Moore Maxson; and three siblings.

He retired as Senior Vice President of NationsBank, having joined First & Merchants Corporation in 1969 as project engineer for the planning and construction of F&M Center. He served as President of Sovran Properties, Inc. After his retirement in 1994, he was engaged as Project Consultant by Virginia Biotechnology Research Park. Before joining F&M, he spent 11 years with the Bell Telephone System, working in engineering and management positions in Virginia, New York and Alaska. In Alaska, he was a field engineer, selecting and testing sites for the DEW Line and the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System.

Growing up in Richmond's Northside, Max graduated from John Marshall High School and was a Captain in the Corps of Cadets. He is a graduate of VPI, Class of 1952. Virginia Tech was an important part of Max's life, and he always held it closely in his heart. He enlisted in the Army during the Korean War and rose to the rank of 1st Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers, serving his overseas duty in the Territory of Alaska.

Max served 12 years on the Board of Visitors of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, appointed by Governors Robb, Wilder and Allen. He served on the Executive Committee for eight years and was Chairman of the Building and Grounds Committee for eight years. He was Vice Chairman of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies Advisory Council, past President of the William Preston Society, member of the Legacy Society, Sigma Lambda Chi (honor society for construction), the Gateway Society and Alpha Phi Omega. He served on the Board of Directors of the Alumni Association from 2003-2009. He and his wife, Shirlee, endowed scholarships for academic excellence in both the College of Veterinary Medicine and the College of Architecture at Virginia Tech.

In 1999, Max received the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine's most prestigious award when he was inducted into the John N. Dalton Society of Friends, reflecting his great love of animals. He was also honored by the College of Architecture in 1999, with its highest recognition, receiving its first Lifetime Contributions Award. In 2000 the Department of Building Construction honored him with its first Lifetime Achievement Award.

In 2001, he was the recipient of the university's highest honor, the Ruffner Medal, in addition to the Virginia Tech Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award.

An enduring image of Max is cast in stone on Torgerson Hall as part of his legacy in the oversight of Virginia Tech's campus environment. He was a staunch advocate of keeping the architectural integrity of the university intact.

Virginia Tech President Charles Steger, in a 2001 Founders Day address, said, "Cast in stone on a corner of Torgerson Hall is a sculpted relief of Cecil, not unlike the storied gargoyles that adorn some of our other gothic buildings. It is cast to withstand the rigors of time. So we can all take comfort in knowing that our beautiful campus will always be tended under Cecil Maxson's watchful eye."

Max was a past President of the Rotary Club of South Richmond and a Paul Harris Fellow in Rotary International. He was a member of the board and Secretary of Bon Secours-Saint Mary's Health System and a board member of Richmond Eye and Ear Hospital. He was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a member of the board of the Engineer's Club, past President and past Chairman of the Board of the Virginia/Carolinas BOMA organization, and a Distinguished Fellow of Facilities Executives.

He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church. Max and Shirlee spent their retirement years travelling, always trying to find ways back to London. He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather, who always wanted the best for his family. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the Cedarfield community for their friendship, compassion and care, especially to Ennis, Tamaya, KK and numerous others who provided Dad with such wonderful companionship and care in his journey.

A graveside service will be held at Hollywood Cemetery 12 p.m. Monday, December 12, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to a favorite charity or to the Cecil and Shirlee Maxson Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine, c/o Virginia Tech Foundation, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0131

We love you, Dad.

Bliley's Funeral Home

3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, VA 23230