William Donald Maxwell

1940 - 2017

William Donald Maxwell obituary, 1940-2017, Daytona Beach, FL

William Donald Maxwell

1940 - 2017

William Maxwell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 28, 2017.
William Donald Maxwell passed away on July 27, 2017 in Daytona Beach, Florida after complications due to surgery. Don was born March 27, 1940 in Nashville, Tennessee and growing up as a child in Columbia, Tennessee. He moved to Ormond Beach, Florida with his parents following World War II. Don attended Ormond Elementary and graduated in 1958 from Seabreeze High School. Don, also attended College at Daytona Beach Community College, Stetson University, and Graduating with two Masters degrees from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. As a man of many talents and high work ethics, Don started his many accomplishments by becoming a Volusia County Lifeguard on the North Peninsula due to his love of the ocean and helping people. He made the decision to enlist in the United States Navy where he was based in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Upon coming home from his Military service he then went to work for General Electric at Cape Canaveral, Florida in the Apollo Rocket Program. Don was assigned to the Boeing Corporation in the construction of the spacecraft gantry structure. Don, then made the decision to become a Law Enforcement Officer and became a Volusia County Deputy. During his time at the Department he worked his way up from a Deputy to the head Administrative Lieutenant, implementing policies, procedures, and grants to help better the Department. Achieving and acquiring the Indianapolis Plan for deputies to take home their vehicles, the Aviation Department implementation and purchases of the helicopters, and Motorcycle Officer division for the department, and the Explorer program which he oversaw for teenagers to learn about law enforcement. During this time he was the Vice President of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) statewide. Don, was also chosen by VCSO to go to the National FBI Academy which he graduated from in Quantico, Virginia in 1979. His love for the Department continued even later in life after retirement and he has been working the last few years on the Cold Case Team for Volusia County. During his first year back with the Cold Case Team, Don was honored to have received Volunteer of the Year and attended the Crime Stopper of Northeast Florida annual achievement ceremonies. He was a proud member of the National Homicide Detective Association and enjoyed working with agencies around the country assisting in sharing intelligence on cold cases. After retiring from VCSO in 1982 he went to work for Daytona International Speedway in their Security and Safety Department and then going to work for United Space Alliance as a Safety Engineer for the Space Shuttle Program at Kennedy Space Center in 1990 from which he retired from in 2011. Don was a certified boat Captain and loved the ocean taking many charters out deep sea fishing and entering offshore tournaments on his days off or taking motorcycle rides in his spare time. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #270 of Daytona Beach, Florida. He was also a member of the Elks and Moose Lodge. Anyone that knew Don knows what a strong willed and hard workingman he was. Intelligent and one of a kind! Don is survived by his loving wife Joan Epton Maxwell, three children Donna Maxwell (Ronald Reynolds), Mary (Beth) Fortin (Richard Fortin), and William D. Maxwell ll (Colleen Bechtel), six grandchildren Michael Brasol Jr. (Leslie Every), Hope Lee (Jeffrey Tintsman), Joshua Lee (Rachel Rodriguez), Timothy Brasol (Sydney Mann), Brandon Maxwell, Isabella Fortin, niece Casey Roush (Casey Roush) and Hailey Roush. Also and not forgotten his loyal puppy, Toby.

A visitation will be held Tuesday August 1, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach. Funeral services will take place Wednesday August 2, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, Ormond Beach. Interment will follow at Volusia Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to his charity The Living Legends of Auto Racing, P.O. Box 290854, Port Orange, Florida 32129.

Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.volusiamemorialfunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign William Maxwell's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 17, 2017

Donny Maxwell posted to the memorial.

August 10, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 10, 2017

Dawn McKenzie posted to the memorial.

Donny Maxwell

September 17, 2017

Missing you today as I am in the hurricane recovery effort in South Florida. Wish I could tell you my stories over the phone, but I'll do it in my prayers. You are missed everyday and keep us all safe!
Fighting the fight as you taught me!
Your son,
Donny

August 10, 2017

So very sorry he was a great friend and co worker

Dawn McKenzie

August 10, 2017

I wish to send my deepest condolences to all the family. I had the honor of working with Don for years at the Kennedy Space Center, first at the launch pad and then on the Safety Console. I enjoyed working with him hearing the stories of his life and accomplishments. I will miss him dearly. He was more than a co-worker - he was a rare friend indeed.

Don sitting at the Safety Console at KSC

Dawn McKenzie

August 10, 2017

Donna Maxwell

August 8, 2017

Our family would like to thank the hundreds of people that came out for our father and husband Don Maxwell's viewing and funeral last week. What an honor to know that out of respect for him and his family you all did. Hearing the different people speak about him either for accomplishments or friendship over this lifetime, we personally want to let everyone know how much they made a hard spot in our lives so much better. We were overwhelmed with the outpouring of kindness and respect you all showed. It was wonderful to see so many people that we have not seen in the last 30 years+ and meet family we have never had the opportunity too. I can say this quote from my father he made in the past "When I die, no one will give a crud(NOT the word) when I'm dead and gone" LOL if he only knew, which I do believe he does! Thank you so much and especially to the Volusia County Sheriffs Department and their brothers and sisters that did such a wonderful job. You went above and beyond. We are sorry we cannot list everyone individually and personally thank each and every one of you because there are so many of you that were there for us but know this The Maxwell Family wants to extend our gratitude and appreciation. We love you all for what you did. God Bless you.

Anita Norwood

August 2, 2017

Donna, Beth, & Don, we are very sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories, now is a difficult time but those memories will bring you comfort.
Hugs~ Anita, Anthony, & Sydney

Laverne Curry

August 2, 2017

Beth, Donna and Donny, so sorry for your loss. Your father was a good friend and was instrumental in my being hired in 1974. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. You're in my prayers and thoughts during this trying sorrow. Hugs to you all.

Debbie Landrum

August 1, 2017

We are so sorry for your loss. May you find strength as you go through these rough days ahead. You are in our prayers. Jimmie and Debbie

Donna Hiatt

August 1, 2017

Many fond memories of the gang from Ormond joining forces with Riverview group at SHS in Junior High. Don was always one of our biggest supporters at class reunions and gatherings. Never missing one! I will miss Don and his caring ways. He always had your back! Rest in peace dear Don.

Basil and joan Brasol

August 1, 2017

Our love and prayers are with all family members at this time of your sorrow and loss.

Greg Miles

July 31, 2017

Beth and Don, So very sorry for your loss. Every time I stopped by the "Cold Case" office, your Dad would always greet me with a smile and a kind word. Although I never worked with him, he was always very personable, no matter how much "paperwork" was stacked on his desk. He will be missed !!! Prayers to you all and your families...

Cassandra Renzi

July 31, 2017

Beth and Donnie,

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If we can do anything, please let us know.

Dr. Renzi and Sgt. Whittier

Beth Fortin

July 31, 2017

Our dad had an amazing life and I really do not think he ever thought he was doing enough. That was evident in his work ethic when he should have enjoyed his retirement in other ways. However, our dad was happiest contributing his time helping make a difference to those needing answers as to who killed their loved ones. I believe he had good intentions in both his personal and professional life and never wanted to hurt anyone. His efforts in life are reflected through his three children and six grandchildren. Dad, we all loved you and each of us are better because of you.

Joan Savilla

July 31, 2017

Donna and family. We are very sorry to hear about Don's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Cousins from Nitro, WV
Joe and Joan Savilla

Ken Edwards

July 31, 2017

When I first met Don I was the North County Lifeguard Captain and he would stop by when working for the Sheriff's Office and talk to me. He along with Sheriff Duff were instrumental in my decision to transfer to the Sheriff's Office as a county employee. I always enjoyed talking to Don because he was so blunt and honest. The last time I spoke to him he was working the cold cases with the Sheriff's Office and doing an outstanding job. We will miss him...prayers for the family now.

Eddie Spurling

July 30, 2017

Joan, Rex and I are so sorry to hear about the loss of Don, our prayers are with you.

Donny Maxwell

July 30, 2017

Thank you all for your love and support! Please feel free to share any memories you had with dad and I know we will enjoy reading them. I love you Dad and you will always be with me and I'll never forget, never!!!

Bill Breyer, '61 -'63

July 29, 2017

Looking back.....w-a-a-a-y back, guess I first knew & met Don back when I first joined the Volusia Country Lifeguard Corps in June, 1961, in North County. Then, our Captain was a Al White. Our "old' station was right next to the Ormond pier and the Happy Whale restaurant on A1A. Between "dune parties" and Vaughn's grocery store, there was something always going on and Don was apart of all of it; those memories will endure. Farewell, Don, farewell and may God bless and keep you!!

Donna Hiatt

July 29, 2017

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

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Sign William Maxwell's Guest Book

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September 17, 2017

Donny Maxwell posted to the memorial.

August 10, 2017

Someone posted to the memorial.

August 10, 2017

Dawn McKenzie posted to the memorial.