[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18026]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO COACH WILLIE E. MAXEY, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 2, 2013

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor high school 
athletic coach, Willie E. Maxey, Jr. on the occasion of his retirement 
from Selma City Schools. This beloved teacher and administrator coached 
for fifty years and for his dedicated and distinguished service to the 
City of Selma and the State of Alabama, I pay tribute today to the life 
work of Coach Willie E. Maxey.
  Coach Maxey was born December 1, 1943 to the late Willie E. Maxey, 
Sr. and Ollie J. Maxey of Sardis, Alabama. His early years were spent 
in Sardis and Selma, Alabama.
  Coach Maxey graduated from R. B. Hudson High School in 1961 and 
subsequently earned his Bachelor Degree from Alabama Agricultural & 
Mechanical University in 1966 and a Master's degree in Administration 
in 1981. Coach Maxey's leadership roles have included positions as 
Assistant Principal and Head Basketball Coach at Selma High School; 
Coach at Westside Jr. High School, Eastside Jr. High School, and R.B. 
Hudson High School. Also, Coach Maxey was coordinator of the Selma City 
Recreation Program for over fifty years.
  Coach Maxey has served the Selma City Schools and community 
faithfully and his exemplary work and commitment to excellence has 
earned the respect and admiration of fellow teachers, administrators, 
students, their families and our community.
  Coach Maxey as a basketball coach had an 80% overall winning record 
that included: State Championship in 1994; Runner-Up Championship in 
1998; Final 4 Competitions; Elite 8 appearances as well as seven Area 
Championships participating in tournaments all over the United States.
  Coach Maxey's special talents, strong leadership and expertise led to 
his mentoring and coaching many outstanding athletes in the Selma City 
Schools including many All-State players as well as an All-Tournament 
player.
  Notably, we are celebrating Coach Maxey's accomplishments and 
retirement from high school sports; but, his illustrious career and 
dedicated service to the youth of our community will continue in his 
current role as Assistant Coach at Wallace Community College Selma. His 
career shows the heart of Coach Willie E. Maxey, Jr. and the positive 
influential role he has played to develop athletic abilities in young 
people.
  Coach Maxey continues to demonstrate an exemplary commitment to 
community service through his long-time membership in the New Shiloh 
Baptist Church in Sardis, Alabama where he is Chairman of the Trustee 
Board. Also, he serves on the International Paper Advisory Board, is a 
member of the Board of Directors for Kittie Kastle Daycare and has been 
involved in numerous civic and community endeavors in Sardis and Selma, 
Alabama.
  On a personal note, I have known Coach Maxey all my life. A close 
family friend, I understand that I was the first newborn baby he ever 
held. He served as assistant coach under my father Coach Andrew A. 
Sewell and graciously succeeding him as head basketball coach at Selma 
High School when my father had a stroke in 1990. My father was proud to 
mentor and work with Coach Maxey and he was so elated over his 
successful coaching career. It was with tremendous pride that Selma 
High gymnasium was dedicated and renamed the ``Sewell-Maxey Gymnasium'' 
in honor of the outstanding legacy of both coaches. The retirement of 
Coach Maxey is truly the end of a golden era in Selma High basketball. 
I know that his legacy lives on in the hearts of all the young men he 
coached.
  On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama and 
this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
accomplishments and retirement of Coach Willie E. Maxey, Jr. We pay 
tribute to his distinguished career and contributions for the 
betterment of youth in our society and extend deep appreciation for his 
distinguished service.

                          ____________________