Leader gone: Maxwell leaves a legacy of hard work and service

Wayne County lost one of its leading businessmen this week with the passing of Louis Maxwell.

Maxwell, who helped build a family-owned milling company into one of the nation's leading livestock producing conglomerates, died Sunday.

He will be missed greatly. For not only was he a sharp businessman, he was also a civic leader and philanthropist.

Maxwell was a man of great vision. At a time when tobacco was failing as the backbone of eastern North Carolina agriculture, his work helped many a farm family be able to sustain their finances and stay with the land they cherished.

As well as a sharp businessman, he was a man of keen wit and compassion. An Eagle Scout, he lived his life according to the principles of the Scout Oath and was eventually honored with the Distinguished Eagle Award, a rare honor bestowed on only a few.

Maxwell's example is one of a man who understood life, family, work and community. It is fitting that the new county agriculture and convention center will bear his family's name.

Published in Editorials on July 13, 2016 9:20 AM