Jerry R. Maxwell, age 86, made his way to heaven on Saturday evening, August 1, 2026. Jerry was a longtime, faithful member of Dyer Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where he was an Elder and served many committees. He proudly served in the US Air Force where he earned the rank of Major and was a long time recruiter. He was a 1957 graduate of Dyer High School. Jerry went on to Law School where he earned his Doctorate at the University of Tennessee. He loved all things UT, but especially his Football Vols.

Jerry opened Maxwell Law Office in Dyer where he served as City Attorney for many years. He also was the Executive Director for the TN State Veterans Nursing Homes where he had an active part of getting the West TN location in Humboldt established.

Jerry was a proud and hard working farmer. In 1975, he moved back to the house and farm where he grew up and lived there until he took his last breath. Even after he stopped actively farming, you could find him driving around the farm just watching all the activity going on.

He was very into any and all activities at church. There’s no telling how many hot dogs, hamburgers, or steaks he grilled for youth and youth fund raisers. You could always find him in the kitchen helping and taste testing, or walking the halls settling a crying baby. And he put more angels up in the trees for the yearly live nativity than you could count.

Later in life you would find him daily at the Toot-n-Tell-it sipping away with the coffee crew and telling stories, all of which had to be true! He also loved to take a cruise. He and Beckie Jo logged many nautical miles during their 20 cruises. He, of course, loved meeting people from all around the world, visiting many countries and islands, sitting on the balcony reading a book or just watching the waves. But his favorite part was the food! Jerry always loved a good meal at a table full of family and friends. He also loved taking family to Reelfoot Lake for Catfish when they came to visit.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 27 years, Beckie Jo Maxwell; children, Guy Mark Maxwell and wife Teresa, Tonya Dunmore and husband, Roy, Paul Maxwell and wife, Amy; step-children, Megan Barnes and husband, Chris, Melissa Stafford and husband, Josh; sister, Judy Maness; the pride and joys of his life, his grandchildren, Kristi and husband, Rhett, Leah, David, Parker, Cally, Jacob, Kendall, Payton, Logan, great-granddaughter, Lilliana; and countless extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Dyer chapel of Karnes & Son Funeral Home, from 2PM until 4PM, with a Celebration of Life service to begin at 4PM. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Dyer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Dyer CP Church Building Fund. And most importantly, grab a cup of coffee or pop some popcorn with a friend and share your favorite Jerry Maxwell story, or just some laughter together.