Alcus O’Neal Maxwell, Jr.

Alcus O’Neal Maxwell, Jr. - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Sandra Maxwell Laughman, June 18, 2024

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Alcus O’Neal Maxwell, Jr. - Madison Parish, Louisiana
January 13, 1959 – October 6, 2023 Age 64

Celebration of Life Memorial Service
Alcus O’Neal Maxwell, Jr.
November 2, 2023 11am
First Baptist Church, Tallulah, LA
Bro. David Maxwell and Bro. Jay Parker Officiating

Alcus O’Neal Maxwell, Jr. (Neal) passed away unexpectedly at his home in Baton Rouge, La. on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at the age of 64. Neal was born January 13, 1959, in Delhi, LA. to Alcus O’Neal Maxwell, Sr. and Maxine Antley Maxwell.

Neal was raised in Tallulah and a faithful member of First Baptist Church before moving to Baton Rouge. He became a Christian at the age of 10 and was baptized on February 2, 1969. As a child growing up, he loved his family vacation trips, “even when he was annoying constantly singing Jeremiah was a bullfrog”, and especially their annual camping trips across America, and playing practical jokes. He loved his dogs, playing sports, hunting, fishing and just “being a boy”. As a youth, he used his technical skills by helping run the sound system for the various choral groups at church and playing the drums in school.

He attended Delta Christian / Tallulah Academy where he graduated in 1977. He started playing football his junior year. He quickly excelled in both his junior and senior years after breaking records and being selected to the All-Star North team, elected co-captain, and many other awards.

After graduation, he became an electrical/carpenter apprentice for a contractor in Monroe before moving to Baton Rouge in 1979, where he made his home. He initially worked for Stupp Pipe Corp. until 1983, when he joined Big Cajun 2 Electric Company and later with NRG Energy when they acquired the company in 2000. Neal retired as an Electronic Technician after 30 years in May 2013. Here is where Neal’s work legacy was born. As an electrician, it didn’t take him long to realize he wanted more skills, so he helped create the Electronic Technician position creating more jobs and higher pay. Neal was soon placed on the grievance committee where the employees realized what a fighter for justice he was. In 1990-2011, he was elected President of the local United Steelworkers Union, where according to several former colleagues/friends, saved numerous jobs through his ability to negotiate contracts for “what was right” not always what was union. He fought for them in Washington DC and congress. They said Neal was very professional, kind, big hearted and loved by many. His first interest was always the person. They were “family” not just colleagues. Some are here today.

Neal loved scuba diving, which was evident by his trips to Cozumel, LSU Tigers, lots of cooking and his dog, Jack. After his retirement, Neal wasn’t ready to just “sit at home” so he opened A+ Electrical Services, August 2013. His customers loved that Neal could not only do electrical work but carpentry, and pretty much anything they needed. Neal was a very loving but private person who never met a stranger and was a friend to many. He always tried to see the positive side in people and didn’t pass up an opportunity to help others. That is a legacy in itself.

Neal was preceded in death by his “daddy”, Alcus O’Neal Maxwell, Sr., grandparents, Tom and Bertie Antley and Kirby and Tressie Maxwell.

Neal is survived by his mother, Maxine Maxwell, of Tallulah, LA.; two sisters, Glenda Cockrell, husband (Mike) of Hot Springs, AR.; and Sandra Laughman, husband (Len), of Tallulah, LA.; niece, Daphne Hosler; nephew, Brandon Laughman, wife (Lauren); niece, Candace Skaggs, husband (Trey); great-nephews Camden and Ollie and great-nieces: Sophie, Lilly, and Eliza, and his faithful companion, Jack. Although divorced, he had a good relationship with his step-granddaughter, Katelyn Aughey and ex-wife Lisa Smith. Neal loved his family dearly, and the many “family reunions” and “cookouts” …. He loved coming back to Tallulah to visit. He leaves behind a host of family and friends who will remember his smile and big heart.

Thank you everyone for supporting our family during this difficult time in our lives. A special thanks to family and friends who helped us with rehoming Jack and other matters with Neal. Thank you, Bro. Jay Parker and First Baptist Church, for allowing us to have the service for Neal and feeding our family. We love you all and ask for your continued prayers. Thank you to our cousin, Bro. David Maxwell for your sweet message. Philippines 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.