Maxcell Wilson Sr. transitioned peacefully the evening of October 3, 2018 after a gradual decline in health. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and the wonderful caregivers of Community Hospice during the last days of his life.
Maxcell was born in Fernandina Beach to Lawrence and Albertina Wilson. He graduated from Peck High School and pursued a career in barbering. In 1959, after attending Florida Barbering College and became a master barber. He married his high school sweetheart in 1960 and they raised four sons. In 1968, Maxcell founded the historic Island Barber Shop, which continues to be a pillar of the Fernandina Beach community. He was a member of Jacksonville Masjid of Al-Islam and attended Franklin Town United Methodist Church.
Maxcell is survived by his wife, Betty Wilson; four sons (and spouses), Maxcell Jr. (Susanne), Jeff (Nichelle), Chris, and Jermaine; 12 grandchildren, Julia, Prince, Khaliah, Nigel, Destini, Tyberias, Egypt, Alexis, Trinity, Jah’Siri, Nova, and Phoenix; and four great-grandchildren, Jamal, Jordan, Juliana, and Elijah. Maxcell is also survived by his siblings, Geneva McGowan, Jennette Wilson-Baker, Arial Mundy, Connie Pinkney, Cynthia Wilson, Tina (James) Jones, Willie Joe (Anita) Wilson, Raymond Wilson, Charlie (Natalie) Wilson, and Ronnie Wilson; sisters-in-law, Beverly (Andrew) Turner and Sarah Archy; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Alvin, Earnest, Lawrence, Robert, and Dennis Wilson; and his sisters, Gloria Jean and Helen Wilson.
The funeral service for Mr. Maxcell Wilson Sr. will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 13, 2018 in the gym at the Peck Center, 516 S. 10th St., Fernandina Beach, with Pastor Charles E. Wilson eulogizing. A public viewing will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, October 12, 2018 at Huff & Battise Funeral Home. Interment will be held in the Franklintown Cemetery. The cortege will assemble at 10:15 a.m. at Island Barber Shop, 901 Hickory St., Fernandina Beach, under the direction of Huff & Battise Funeral Home.
Huff & Battise Funeral Home