F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, "When you have said that a man is a 'good man,' you have said about all you can say. R. L. Maxwell, 90, a "good man," went to be with the Lord Friday, January 8, 2016. Recognized by the Inverness Chamber of Commerce and the community as an Outstanding Citizen in 1998, R. L. was a fixture in his church, First Baptist Church, and in his community.

The comments when recognized as an Outstanding Citizen speak of a man involved in and living life to the fullest.

"R. L. Maxwell has given unsparingly of himself to his community. Whether it

was providing for needs in our schools, or repairing sidewalks, or helping a

widow, or helping the growth of the community, he has always given his time,

talents and resources unselfishly.

"He has been described as kind, loving, caring, and generous to a fault. His

favorite pastime was work, closely followed by his favorite sport, tennis.

He always worked to win and played fairly, intensely and with the purpose

of winning."

Born March 7, 1925, to Lelia and Aubrey Maxwell in the Isola community, he moved with his family to the Inverness community in 1933 and has spent the rest of his life there. A graduate of Inverness High School, Mississippi Delta Community College, and Delta State University, R. L. joined the V&M Cotton Company in 1950 eventually becoming a partner in the firm.

He established the Maxwell Cotton Company in 1979, retiring in 1995 after selling his interest to his partner Jimmy Lear. After retirement he was involved in catfish farming until 2000.

R. L. was extensively involved in the community. He taught Sunday School at First Baptist Church 64 years until the Lord called him home. He also served as an active deacon for many years including a term as chairman of the Council of Deacons. At various times he served as president of the Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Recreation Club, sixteen years as an alderman and a short time as mayor. He was actively involved with HUD during the days following the 1971 tornado that devastated the community. He was an active member of the Lions Club serving in all the local offices as well as on the district level. And in his spare time, he worked with the Cub Scouts.

Again, it can be said of R. L. Maxwell, he was a "good man."

R. L. is survived by his wife, Willie Lou (Sis) Melton Maxwell; two daughters, Polly Ann Cleveland and husband Arthur of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Melonye Ridgeway Henderson and husband Brent of Jackson, Mississippi; four grandchildren, Christopher Cleveland of Greenville, South Carolina, Cameron Cleveland of New York, New York, Melonye Cleveland of Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Grayson Ridgeway and his new bride Lindsey of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He also leaves to cherish his memory three sisters, Neda Anderson of Inverness, Mable Wilson or Shreveport, Louisiana, and Levenia Barnes of Moorhead, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Kenneth Maxwell.

The family will receive friends Monday, January 11, 2016 from 12:30 pm until 1:45 pm at First Baptist Church, Inverness, with funeral services beginning at 2:00 pm. Interment will follow in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Inverness, all under the direction of Burton Funeral Home of Indianola.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Youth Fund Outreach, PO Box 5, Inverness, MS 38753, or the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.burtonfuneralhome.net.