(MURFREESBORO) - Fans of Oakland High School sports since the late 70's will remember superfan Donnie Maxwell. He passed away this week.
Donnie never met a stranger and was always a sweet, kind and loving soul. Given the chance, he would talk about local sports. But his face would light up when he got to talk about the Patriots. Many will remember seeing him with Nelson Smotherman, local and TSSAA sports historian, who passed away in March of 2023. Donnie was inducted to the Oakland Football Hall of Fame in 2015 despite not having played a down.
WGNS Station Manager Bryan Barrett shares some thoughts about Donnie:
Longtime Oakland boys basketball coach Randy King said he remembers Donnie being around the team even when he was assistant to Dickie Thomas.
Blackman girls basketball and longtime Lady Patriots coach Jennifer Grandstaff shared, "When I think about Donnie, it’s hard to pin point a certain memory. What comes to mind when I think about him is his unwavering support for the Oakland Lady Patriots. It didn’t matter if we were a state contender or struggling to just get through the season, he was always LOYAL. Donnie was always supportive and he was always bragging about a certain player! He always had a favorite on every one of our teams. He loved Oakland and Oakland loved him. You don’t find too many people like Donnie. He never wavered, he was always consistent and present. He will be missed!❤️"
Fellow local sports fan Ron Reeves said, "Donnie was a good man who had a heart of gold. He sure loved his Oakland sports teams. Donnie’s love for Oakland athletics stretched back to the Oakland (Middle School) Chargers. He would attend every home game. When Donnie attended Patriot events, he was armed with his trusty paper to keep score and a radio to listen to play by play by WGNS. Rest easy, my friend. You will be missed by all who support Middle Tennessee sports."
Oakland softball coach and former player Charlotte Peay reflects, "As long as I can remember, Donnie Maxwell was a true Patriot. He was loyal, supportive, and always prepared with his book to keep stats! He always greeted me with a smile. Donnie never failed to make sure I knew he kept up with every small detail of the game. I know he and Nelson are reunited in Heaven. The Oakland community was blessed to have him as a super fan! He will he missed."
Oakland assistant softball coach Valanna Lyons has special memories of Donnie, saying "He was a community staple, a loyal and faithful Oakland fan. Donnie was always there to shake your hand and let you know he was there to support you. I can always remember him having a radio and Nelson Smotherman having a stats book. He will definitely be missed.”
It was very rare for Donnie to miss games until his health prevented him from doing so last season. But while at the nursing home, his radio was always close by and WGNS was able to "take him to the game" so to speak. He was a superfan until the end.
Woodfin Funeral Chapels is handling the cremation arrangements and there will be no visitation or funeral service.
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