Obituary – Jimmy Maxwell “Mr. Maxie” Waldorff Sr.
Jimmy Maxwell “Mr. Maxie” Waldorff, Sr.
ALTHA, FL – On Nov. 11, 2023, Jimmy Maxwell Waldorff, Sr. (“Mr. Maxie”), 89, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife of 70 years, Betty, at his side, along with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Maxie was born in Altha on Dec. 15, 1933, to George and Jimmie Waldorff. Despite being born during the difficult times of the Great Depression, Maxie had an eagerness to find adventure and to learn new things. In 1943, a new two-story block building was built on the main street of Altha. The hardware store was known as “George Waldorff & Sons” and was run by George Sr., Maxie, and his two brothers, George Jr. and Larry. Maxie’s brothers left the business to pursue other occupations and George Sr. retired in 1965. In 1969, Maxie was able to bring Waldorff & Sons Hardware into the Ace Hardware Corporation.
Even though the hardware store kept him quite busy, Maxie enjoyed getting involved in community projects. He was on the Altha Town Council in 1963 and approved the construction of a new water system and water tower for the town as well as the purchase of Altha’s first fire truck. For the better part of 50 years, Maxie was involved in the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce and was selected as the 2010 Man of the Year. Like his father before him, Maxie also found great reward in serving on the Calhoun-Liberty Hospital Board.
Without a doubt, his greatest pleasure was serving as the chairman of the CCIDA (Calhoun County Industrial Development Authority) and chairman of the Airport Development Committee. Maxie was instrumental in creating a new airport for the county after the previous airport was flooded due to its close proximity to the Apalachicola River. At the airport’s grand opening, Maxie parachuted from a plane at the age of 70. In 2008 Maxie was inducted into the Aviation Wall of Fame at the Tallahassee International Airport in recognition of his outstanding commitment, dedication, and performance in the field of aviation.
Maxie and family were members of the Altha First Baptist Church where he taught a boys’ Sunday School class for many years and also served as a deacon. When church membership grew, he faithfully served on the church Building Committee when the new sanctuary was built.
Maxie is survived by his loving wife, Betty, one daughter, Pam Wilson (Bobby), and two sons: Jim Waldorff (Sara Kay) and Scott Waldorff (Jennifer). He has six grandchildren and four great -grandchildren who loved and adored him as “Gran”. His sons, Jim and Scott, now run the store in the manner taught to them by the longtime Hardware Man, “Mr. Maxie”. We will always be grateful for his unfailing love and his shining example of a life well lived.
Services to honor Maxie’s life will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the Altha First Baptist Church with Rev. Joe Butler officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery near Altha. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Altha First Baptist Church in memory of Maxie.
Adams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at adamsfh.com
About Author
