Maxie James McCarty

Maxie James McCarty, Sr. was born October 6, 1940, in Grayson, Louisiana. He was the second child born to the union of Douglas and Annie(Griffin) McCarty. Even as a child, Maxie was an astute businessman who was not afraid to work hard. He could often be found cutting grass for people in his community to earn extra money. His love for cutting grass continued throughout his life. He described it as his therapy.

Maxie completed elementary and secondary schooling at his cherished alma mater, Union Central School in Columbia, Louisiana. He also attended Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA; and continued his studies at Kennedy King College in Chicago to become a certified Operating Engineer. He spent the majority of his career working for Chicago Housing Authority, where he worked his way up the ranks from janitor to director.

During his time at Union Central, he met a young lady from “up the River” named Ruth Gayle Johnson. According to Maxie, he knew that Ruth was “the one” as soon as he saw her. They later married and were inseparable life partners until her death. 

Maxie accepted Christ at an early age and has always been an active member and faithful servant of every church he attended. He served as a deacon at Everybody’s Church in Chicago and Union Baptist Church in Bosco, Louisiana. No matter what you were going through in life you could count on Maxie to give you a scripture and a word (or MANY) of encouragement to help you through.

Maxie James McCarty, Sr.’s life was well-lived and he was well-loved. Maxie never met a stranger and was a friend to all he met. He had a heart for service and wanted to help people in any way that he could.  Maxie was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven on October 4, 2019 days shy of his 79th birthday. He passed peacefully in his beloved Louisiana home with his loving son and daughter by his side.

Maxie was predeceased by his parents Annie and Douglas McCarty; wife, Ruth Gayle McCarty; and son, Maxie James McCarty, Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory: sisters Cornelia Butler and Joan Yearby; son, Van (Margarita); daughter, Stephanie (Dan); granddaughters, Candice and Sylena; grandsons Matthew and Dan Jr. (Erica); and great-grandsons Isaiah and Levi. He also leaves a host of special family members and friends that loved him dearly. Maxie and his sayings will be etched in our memories forever.  God bless America!

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