"Iron Sharpens Iron"

On Sunday, March 27, 1960, Craig Joel Maxwell began his God-ordained purpose on earth.  He was a bright and strong son born in Savannah, Georgia to James Isaac Maxwell, Jr. and Alice Marie Dailey.  Educated in Savannah public schools, Craig graduated as a proud Bulldog from Alfred Ely Beach High School in 1979.  He developed lifelong friendships with many of his 1979 classmates.  After high school, Craig enrolled at Savannah Technical College to engage electrical and production trade courses.

The Lord was Craig's life and salvation.  From birth and throughout childhood, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church was his family's house of worship.  Craig later joined Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church where he was a devoted member, with his family, for years.  In June 2018, Craig joined Living Hope Community Fellowship Church.  He was a faithful member of the Men of Hope Ministry which included daily early morning prayer calls and devotions.  Craig was known among his Men of Hope Miracle Prayer Line brothers as "Iron Sharpens Iron".

When a man finds a wife, he finds a good thing.  Craig Joel Maxwell married his good thing, Deidra Renee Williams on Saturday, December 14, 1991.  Deidra affectionately called Craig "Maxie" and they were loyal to one another through all of life's ebbs and flows.  They purchased two homes together to provide the best possible life for their children.  This couple perfected blending a family according to the word of God—together they have three children: Marquese, Brandon, and Sada.

Craig was no stranger to hard work.  He had a varied career and always exuded a spirit of excellence.  Craig's rich work history included pharmacy sales consultant, retail stocker, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System paraprofessional, educator for special needs children, cook, server, as well as a Tronnox (Kemira then Keer-McGee) Chemical Plant packer and plant operator.  For seven years, Craig mastered entrepreneurship as owner of his own contracting company—Total Home Improvement.

Working hard affords opportunities to play hard.  Craig enjoyed traveling with his wife, friends, and family.  Craig and Deidra often took cruises and joyously celebrated holidays and birthdays.  Craig was a handy repair man and also an avid bowler and fisherman. He played pool and card games. Without question, Craig was an Atlanta Falcons Fan.  He was a major sports enthusiast but no team delighted him more than the "Dirty Birds".  Craig shared fond memories with his brothers, Men of Hope brothers, and friends discussing and celebrating sports.

Craig adored his family.  He was a mighty provider and not only took care of Deidra and their children but also served dutifully as a caregiver for his mother until he became ill.  As a loving partner, Deidra then took on the tasks to ensure Craig's mother received the best possible care.  He spoke to his brothers daily and would often call for quality chats with relatives and friends all over the country.

On the morning of Monday, May 9, 2022, in the family home filled with love, Craig answered the Master's call.  He was preceded in death by his father, James Isaac Maxwell, Jr.; bonus dad, Charles Dailey; paternal grandparents, James M axwell, Sr., and Cleo Maxwell; maternal grandparents , Joel Butler and Dorothy Butler; brother, Shawn Maxwell; and, brother-in-love, Dwayne Nathaniel Williams.

Left to cherish a lifetime of spectacular memories: his devoted wife and life companion, Deidra Williams Maxwell; sons, Marquese A. Williams and Brandon Maxwell; daughter, Sada Maxwell; mother, Alice M. Dailey; brothers, Toby Glenn Maxwell, Bernard Maxwell, Sr., Rodney Dailey (Angela), and Corey Maxwell; sister, Gwen Ladson (Cory); mother-in-love, Rosemary Williams; brothers-in-love, Da vid Williams and Darrell Williams; sister-in-love, Beverly Chung-Williams; aunts, Jewell Hartwell (Walter), Joan Dailey, Florence Dailey, Vivian Dailey, Nelsonia Green (Julius), Grace Sanders, and Nathalee Williams; uncles, Zechariah Dailey, George Dailey, (Dorothy), Dr. George Maxwell (Cheryl), and W allace Williams (Linda);bonus mother, Lisa Maxwell; bonus brothers, Andrew Green and Henry Scott; bonus daughter, Shaleena Buckley, bo nus grandchildren, Raimoni Smith and Rufus Bryant, V; Godsisters, Valeria Black and Antionette Coast; Godchildren, Brandon Black, Daryl Black (Nikita), Breyel B anks (Rich), Shante Black, Sora Black, and Rajah Bush, Jr.; "PaPa", Thomas Kelly; one fur child, Brown'a; a special bonus "grandbaby", Shani'a; support crew, Jawaun Harden, Taqwaa F. Saleem, and Latoya Kelly-Murray, a multitude of nieces and nephews, as well as a host of cousins, relatives, classmates, Men of Hope, and close friends.

Public viewing will be held 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 20, 2022 at Living Hope Community Fellowship, 5008 Augusta Road, Garden City, GA. 31408. Celebration of Life & Legacy will be held 12 noon, Saturday, May 21, 2022 at Temple of Glory Community Church, 1105 Stiles Avenue, Savannah, GA. Interment ~ Greenwich Cemetery, 330 Bonaventure Road, Savannah, GA. 31404.

*Masks are required

*Services will be livestreamed - Temple of Glory Community Church website

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