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Conway, SC-Retired Fire Chief Robert E. "Bob" Maxwell, age 68, husband of 25 years to Marilyn Louise Hucks Maxwell passed away July 12, 2009 at Conway Medical Center. Mr. Maxwell was born in N. Charleston, SC, the son of the late Elmer and Essie Carter Maxwell. He came to Horry County in 1966 as a member of the South Carolina Highway Patrol where he distinguished himself as a tough, but understanding Law Enforcement Officer. He became the first Fire Chief for Horry County in 1978. His primary responsibility was to implement a fire protection program for the unincorporated areas of Horry County. He was instrumental in the planning of the present Horry County Fire Department. In 1985, Mr. Maxwell became the Fire Chief for the city of N. Charleston. During his time in Horry County, his involvement in community affairs consisted of his serving in the Jaycees as President in 1969 and holding state offices with the state organization. He was active in youth baseball and football with the Conway Recreation Department. He has been the chairman of the Conway Christmas Parade for more than 20 years. Mr. Maxwell graduated from Coastal Carolina with a degree in Criminal Justice and Public Administration. He graduated from numerous schools which includes the National Fire Academy, the University of Maryland, the University of Georgia and the South Carolina Police Academy, as well as the South Carolina Fire Academy. He was a past president of the South Carolina Fire Chief Association and up until his death was an active life member of the South Carolina Fire Chief's Association, the South Eastern Fire Chief's Association as well as the International Association of Fire Chiefs. He was a member of the South Carolina Firemen's Association and a past member of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officer's Association. He was honored with numerous awards and citations in his career of distinguished service to public safety. He received the 1st. Annual Fritz Turner Award recognizing his achievements as Fire Chief of the Year by the South Carolina Fire Chief's Association. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the S.C. Fireman's Association, as well as being given the Distinguished Citizenship Award by the South Carolina's Fireman's Association. He was a Mason belonging to Hammerton Lodge #332 in North Charleston, a 32nd. Degree member of the Scottish Rite and a Shriner in Omar Temple at Mount Pleasant, SC. He was active in the Shrine as a member of the Provost Guard Unit in Florence and a member of the Waccamaw Shrine Club. Surviving are his wife Marilyn Hucks Maxwell of Conway. One son, Robert E. Maxwell, II (granddaughters Emily and Jennifer, one great-grandson Robert Keaton) of Conway, 2 adopted grandsons, William Austin and Joseph Bradford Maxwell of Conway. 2 stepdaughters, Daphne Fullilove (granddaughters Elizabeth and Chelsae)of Goosecreek and Tammy (Tommy) Burger (granddaughters Amber, LeAnna and Allison) of Conway, 1 stepson, James C. Hearl, Jr. of Columbia, SC, and sister, Priscilla Maxwell of Summerville. Mr. Maxwell was preceded in death by parents and his first wife, Sybil Benford Maxwell. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Thursday at North Conway Baptist Church with Reverend Bobby Johnson and Monsignor Joseph Roth officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 8:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605. Online guestbook may be signed at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

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Robert E. Maxwell, Sr.

July 12, 2009