"Cat" Maxwell

BAXTER-Alvin Morris Maxwell, fondly known as "Cat" by those who knew and loved him, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2024, at the age of 88, in Cookeville, Tennessee. Born on October 7, 1935, in Baxter, Tennessee, Cat was a man of humble beginnings who lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and a love for the great outdoors.

Cat grew up in Baxter, a small town where he learned the values of hard work and community. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Linda Pearl McBroom Maxwell, who passed away August 8, 2023, and by his parents, Roe Oliver and Bertie Ensor Maxwell. Cat was the youngest of a large and loving family, which included his sisters Ocia Maxwell, Dora Maxwell, Mattie Almeda Maxwell and Dessie Williams, and his brothers Dow, Verdie "Bill," John, Estle, James "Jim," William Clayborn, and Donald "Pee" Maxwell. He is survived by a host of nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory and continue to feel the impact of his gentle spirit.

He was a member of Cookeville Free Will Baptist Church.

Cat's life was defined by his work ethic and his ability to fix anything, from cars to lawn mowers. He took great pride in his craft as a carpenter and mechanic, and for many years, he served his community through his work as a custodian at Upperman High School. Those who worked alongside Cat knew him as a man who approached every task with care and precision, and his presence in the halls of Upperman High was a constant source of reliability and warmth.

Beyond his work, Cat was passionate about the outdoors. He had an unparalleled love for bird hunting and spent countless hours training bird dogs, a skill that he mastered with patience and a deep understanding of the animals he worked with. Deer and turkey hunting were also among his favorite pursuits, and he found peace and joy in the rolling hills and forests of Tennessee. Cat's love for nature was infectious, and he often shared his knowledge and adventures with those around him.

Kind is the word that best describes Cat. His kindness was a quiet, steady force that touched the lives of all who knew him. It could be seen in his interactions with his family, his friends, and even the animals he cared for. Cat's kind-hearted nature was evident in his willingness to lend a hand, his readiness to offer a word of encouragement, and his ever-present smile.

In his passing, Cat leaves behind a legacy of kindness and a life well-lived. His memory will be cherished and kept alive by the stories told, the lessons learned, and the moments shared with a man who was truly precious to his community. As we say goodbye to Alvin Morris Maxwell, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit will continue to inspire us to live with the same humility, kindness, and love for the natural world that he embodied so well.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Cat Maxwell will be deeply missed but never forgotten. As the sun sets over the hills he loved so dearly, we find solace in the memories and the indelible mark he has left on our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Cat, until we meet again.

Funeral service will be Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 1 pm in the Baxter Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Saturday from 11 am until service time at the funeral home. Bro. Harold Walker and Harold Ralph Maynard will officiate. Interment will follow in Maxwell Cemetery South.

Baxter Chapel Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements (931)858-2134. Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com