Brian Maffett

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Brian Dixon Maffett has gone to meet his Savior, Jesus Christ in Heaven, peacefully on October 23,2024, with his wife of 31 years, Jenny, and his daughters, Jess and Eva by his side. Brian has fought a courageous battle against and conquered brain cancer by the grace of God. 

The world became a better place on April 12, 1964, when Brian Dixon Maffett was born to the late Patricia and William C. Maffett. Brian, was a man of few words, but his life spoke volumes. Brian led a life of integrity, fairness, compassion and professionalism, giving us a wonderful example to follow.

Brian graduated from Tennessee Technological University, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. His professional career began at Ball Engineering Corporation, where he showcased his engineering expertise while living in Boulder, Colorado. His work led him to many experiences, including witnessing the historic moment when the Berlin Wall came down, a memory that lasted a lifetime. Following this remarkable chapter, he married the love of his life, Jenny Lee (House). Brian's next work challenge and adventure took him and Jenny to Malmo, Sweden, further advancing his career with Ball Corp. Together, they traveled extensively throughout Europe, especially Scandinavia and Israel. His love for the Holy Lands remained strong, as evidenced by his recent return there with members of First United Methodist Church in Cookeville.

Upon welcoming their two beautiful daughters, Brian and Jenny returned to Cookeville, where he collaborated with his father in the family’s seventh-generation architectural and construction firm. He later established his own mechanical engineering company Maffett-Loftis Engineering, providing invaluable professional services across Cookeville and the Middle Tennessee region, influencing the construction and renovation of various buildings on the Tennessee Tech University campus. Among his many accomplishments, he developed and patented several innovative concepts, with the most notable being a cradle, bridge, and crane boat storage system, developed and built through Maff-Stack, LLC in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Brian and his wife own Arcade Properties, which includes the first property (the Arcade Building) in Putnam County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Brian’s warmth touched many lives, and his first priority was his faith deeply rooted in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, which informed every aspect of his life, followed closely by his family. He was a dedicated husband and father, and his role as a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend will be fondly remembered. The cherished memories he created with every life he touched will continue as a testimony of his character and kindness. 

Raised to leave the world a better place, Brian accomplished this goal through both action and inspiration. Outside of his professional endeavors, Brian was a vibrant member of his community. He actively participated in the Friday morning Men's Bible Study Group, served on the City Scape Board, and mentored Tennessee Tech University engineering students through the Mini-Baja Car Competition. His community and civic leadership extended to a significant role as President of the Cookeville Breakfast Rotary Club. Rotary was an important part of his life. Brian was named Rotarian of the year 2022-2023, which was an "easy choice", according to Ben Brady in the Partners Paper. Although Brian has struggled physically during his term as President of Rotary, Rotarians have "stepped up to try to fill his shoes", said Rachel M. Moses, fellow-Rotarian. 

In his youth, Brian belonged to the First United Methodist Church and its youth group in Smithville, Tennessee, continuing his connection to faith as an adult member of Cookeville First UMC. An Eagle Scout himself, Brian was active with Boy Scouts in Colorado and the Cookeville First United Methodist troops. His adventurous spirit found expression in slalom and barefoot water skiing, snow skiing, hiking and outdoor exploration; he spent countless hours hunting for arrowheads and fishing in natural settings across the region, including the Rockies and the Appalachian Trail. Brian's compassion could also be seen in his talent for restoring vintage cars, starting with his "Stang" (aka Mustang). An avid runner and racquetball player, he engaged in sports nearly every day, building camaraderie and sharing his knowledge while often emerging victorious in competitions. He completed three "Death at Dawns" with daughter Jess.

Brian is survived by his devoted wife, Jenny; beloved daughters, Jess and Eva; sister Eva (Kyle) Friauf; brother William (Alexandra) Maffett; and his caring mother and father-in-law, Douglas and Dinah House. He will also be deeply missed by his brother-in-law Patrick (Anna) House; sisters-in-law Mary House and Martha House (Don) Brasek; his nieces Patricia (Cody) Dozier and Catherine Scull; nephews Douglas House, Austin House, Johnny House, and John Andrew Brasek. Brian’s legacy will continue to shine through his loving family, who cherished him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia and William C. Maffett.

A funeral service honoring Brian will be at 12pm Saturday October 26 at Cookeville First United Methodist Church. Visitation for friends and family will be Friday from 5-8pm Friday at the Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home and again Saturday from 10am-12pm at the church. Interment will follow at 3pm Saturday at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Liberty, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to TTU Scholarship Maffett Family Scholarship Endowment, TTU P.O. Box 1915 Cookeville, TN 38505, or the Cookeville Rescue Mission, www.cookevillerescuemission.org.

The family would like to thank the many friends who called, visited and supported Brian and his family during this journey, especially Thomas Reed, John Roberts, Robert and Robin Piper, Angie and Chuck Linde, Tom and Barbara Bueling, Dwight and Cathy Henry, Robert Pecora, Brian's multiple bible study groups, our Cookeville First UMC congregation, Tina Johnson, and Gentiva Hospice. 

The Cookeville Chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner is in charge of arrangements 931-526-6111 Share condolences and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.