Barry Keith Maxwell

Barry Keith Maxwell fulfilled his earthly commitment at 4:03 pm January 12, 2024. While surrounded by his wife and daughters, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Barry took his last labored breaths as calmness, peace and comfort took over and guided him on to his next journey. Barry was born and raised in Madisonville, TN. From a young age, he learned to find comfort in the outdoors. Whether it was hunting, fishing or just being outside in nature, it would remind him of all the wonderful times he had growing up with his grandparents, Wilford and Lizie and at Maxwell's Grocery Store. His grandparents instilled in him a desire to help others, take care of people and always give your best effort. Barry didn't pick up a basketball until the eighth grade. He would walk to and from the courts, shooting for hours, always trying to do better than he had the day before. When he graduated from Madisonville High School in 1974, he wore his favorite number, 31. He shot for over 1,000 points and was awarded for this record. He made All-County, All-District, All-Conference and All-Region teams during his time as a Tornado. Two things came out of high school, his love for basketball and his love for Donna. Barry attended Hiwassee College, once Donna graduated, he then moved to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee. Barry and Donna were married June 23, 1978, at Hiwassee Methodist Church. Barry completed his Bachelor of Arts in 1978, he was then accepted to the University of Tennessee, College of Law, where he became a member of Phi Alpha Delta and the Order of the Coif. After graduating law school, he was admitted to the Tennessee Bar in 1981. Barry practiced as a civil litigator for Egerton McAfee Armstead & Davis, specializing in Personal Injury and Workers Compensation, where he would become a partner and stay until 2004. Barry and Donna welcomed four baby girls over the years. Megan was born in 1986, Kaylyn in 1989, Payton in 1992 and Jordan in 2002. Most of the family's time was spent on the ballfields and courts of KYS where the girls played, and Barry coached. He loved to coach. He was a strong supporter of girl's competitive sports. He coached his girls from a young age. Teams such as the Warriors, Thunder, Yard Sharks and continued assisting in high school and college softball. He loved spending time with his family and lived to make his girls happy. Barry loved to spend time at their home on Laurel Lake, where two of the four girls learned to swim. He just wanted them to be together, whether it was snuggled up in a recliner watching the Braves, cheering on the Vols or watching some of their family's favorite movies. Barry enjoyed the beach. They would all pack into their Volvo station wagon or green Suburban and barrel down the highway towards the beaches of Destin, singing Jimmy Buffett songs the entire way. Barry and Donna built a life with a strong emphasis on their little family. Barry returned to Madisonville to practice law and live full time in 2004. He was able to reconnect with many old friends and make some new ones. He enjoyed the slower pace of life and the ability to get out in the woods like he loved to do. He and Donna had more time together and would embark on their greatest journey: being grandparents. Barry received his greatest title and level of recognition in 2014 when he became Papaw Bear. Papaw Bear and Grammie had 7 grandchildren between 2014 and 2022. Six beautiful little girls and finally a BOY. Barry tried his best and his attempt was always good enough for us. He will be greatly missed but always in our hearts. Barry is preceded in death by his parents Frances Elberta Hicks Maxwell and Thomas Jerry Maxwell, grandparents Wilford and Elizabeth Sloan Maxwell and Elbert and Sydia Williams Hicks. Survivors: loving wife and best friend of 45 years Donna Kay Thomas Maxwell; Daughters, Megan Maxwell and Brandon Isbill of Madisonville, Elizabeth Kaylyn Maxwell, of Knoxville, Payton and Casey Peacock (Kansas City, MO), and Jordan and Cole Shiffer, Fayetteville, NC; Grandchildren, Baker and Baylor Isbill, Blakeli Vann, Avery and Bennett Peacock, Addison and Katarina Shiffer; Sister, Robin Maxwell-Cable and husband, Kenneth Cable, Suzie Maxwell; Nephews, Tommy and Eli Mitchell. Funeral 7:00 p.m. Friday, January 19th, 2024 in Biereley-Hale Chapel. Rev. Charlie Campbell will officiate. The interment will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Chestua Campground Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Friday at Biereley-Hale Funeral Home, Madisonville.