Max Gilstrap

GILSTRAP, Max

Max Milford Gilstrap of Athens died on Friday, July 18, 2025 at his home, after a period of declining health.

Max was born on November 2, 1935. His parents were William Maxville Gilstrap and Louie Kate Milford Gilstrap of Chickamauga, GA. Max grew up there, attending Gordon Lee High School. His family were friends and employees of the Lee family whose estate was there.

He earned an AB degree at Young Harris in 1956, graduating in 1958 from UGA with a degree in French. He was briefly employed as a teacher. Max earned a Masters of Arts in Librarianship at Emory in 1964.

Max was employed with the UGA Library from 1963-1990 in Acquisitions, then Special Collections as the first Director of the Richard B. Russell Memorial Library from 1975-1979, and thereafter in Government Documents. Today, the Russell B. Library for Political Research and Studies focuses on documentation of the American political system with special focus on politics and public policy in the state of Georgia. Richard B. Russell served in government for 50 years (1920-1971). Max guided the library through its opening for research and set standards for its development as a model research facility, according to his staff and co-workers quoted in the library guide.

Max was a familiar figure to his friends, co-workers, and neighbors in Athens, and enjoyed his daily walk to Earth Fare. He was an ardent advocate and supporter of community causes such as public radio, an area soup kitchen, and Hodgson School of Music. Those who knew him well appreciated his great intelligence, sharp wit, talented culinary skills, kind and mannerly demeanor and profound appreciation for good food, literature, classical music, French culture, travel and the fine arts. He always kept up to date on current political events.

Max was preceded in death by his longtime friend, traveling companion and neighbor Hubert H. Whitlow, Jr.; his parents; as well as his four siblings, Roy Gilstrap (wife, Sara), of Chickamauga, Ruth G. Rogers (husband, Levy), of Lake Junaluska, NC, Hazel G. Henson (husband, Claude "C.A."), of Clayton, GA; and Clara Bell G. McKee (husband, Hugh) of Atlanta, GA. He was also preceded in death by three nephews and one niece. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews from GA, TN, AL, NC, VA and SC; as well as by his cousin, Beuna Moore.

Max asked that his remains go to medical research at Emory, requesting no service. Family will privately gather to remember Uncle Max. Bernstein is the designated funeral home.

Max was a private, thoughtful man and will be missed by those who were fortunate to know him. Max supported various charities such as Emory University Arts and Science Department, the Atlanta Symphony and UGA Library.

In his memory, enjoy a deep dive into a good book and a good meal shared with friends. The family thanks caregivers Tedra and Tonjya, and Hospice for their care.