Wayne Alexander Maxedon

Wayne Alexander Maxedon was born on July 23, 1948, in Oakland, California, to the late Pitts Jones Maxedon and Dorothy Marie Counce Maxedon. Although his life began on the West Coast, his story was truly written in Selmer, Tennessee, the community he loved and served faithfully. There, he built a life defined by loyalty, laughter, and deep devotion to family and friends.

To many, he was simply “Coach.” As a longtime basketball coach at Selmer Middle School, Wayne invested his heart in young people. He taught more than the fundamentals of the game. He taught discipline, respect, resilience, and confidence. He believed in his players, often before they believed in themselves, and the lessons he shared continue to echo in their lives.

Wayne’s love for sports was unmistakable. He was a devoted Tennessee Volunteers fan and rarely missed a football or basketball game. He enjoyed golfing and talking sports with friends, always ready to relive a great play or memorable season. Sports brought him joy, but the relationships built around them meant even more.

Nothing, however, compared to the love he had for his family. His daughters were his greatest pride, and his grandsons were the light of his life. He treasured time with them, whether cheering from the sidelines or simply sitting close and sharing stories. Being “Pop” was one of his greatest honors.

Wayne cherished time at the beach and spent seasons working at DDY camp for children, pouring into young lives and helping create lasting memories. He was a proud member of the PIKE fraternity at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he formed lifelong friendships.

He never met a stranger. Known as a “cut up,” Wayne was quick with a joke and had a gift for making others smile. His humor and warmth filled every room he entered. At home, his faithful dog, Cooper, was rarely far from his side.

Mr. Maxedon departed this life on February 11, 2026, in Selmer, Tennessee, at the age of 77 years, 6 months, and 19 days. Though he will be deeply missed, his influence lives on in the lives he shaped and the love he gave.

He is survived by his daughters, Bree Barry and her husband, Corey, of Nashville, and Brandice Searcy and her husband, Trenton, of Spring Hill; his grandsons, Jaxon Searcy, Beckett Barry, and Hudson Searcy; his sister, Terrie Kerby of Selmer; and his nieces, Tammy Moorman and her husband, Todd, Jill Gray and her husband, Jimmy, and Julie Turner and her husband, Tom.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Gary Kerby.

Wayne will be remembered as a devoted father, proud grandfather, beloved coach, and loyal friend whose life was measured not in wins and losses, but in the lives he touched.