Hugh Maxwell

Williams, Jr.

Hugh Maxwell Williams, Jr.. 88, of Greenwood, passed away Thursday, November 5, 2026 at NHC Greenwood.

Born on August 29, 1938 in Greenwood, he was a son of the late Hugh Williams, Sr. and Sue Trotter Williams.

Maxwell came from a family of farmers and teachers, a heritage he cherished throughout his life. He deeply loved his family and took great joy in preserving their history and sharing its stories with others.

Maxwell earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and devoted 17½ years to education, serving as both a teacher and assistant principal. His love for family led him to step away for a time to care for his mother before going on to becoming a foreign exchange host. A proud alumnus of Phoenix School, he remained actively involved as the school became the Phoenix Community Center, maintaining a lasting connection to the community he loved.

His caring spirit extended far beyond the classroom. Maxwell welcomed 15 foreign exchange students into his home, helping them experience life in America and making them feel part of his family. One of those students went on to become a United States citizen.

Maxwell found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. He loved his chickens, going fishing, tending his garden, and enjoying a good tomato sandwich. He enjoyed a game of Scrabble and especially loved going out to eat, where a good meal was made even better by good company.

Above all, Maxwell was a child of God. A faithful member of First Damasus Baptist Church for 75 years, he was the church’s longest-standing member and served as a Sunday school teacher. His life reflected his devotion to his faith, his family, and the many people he had the privilege of teaching and welcoming into his home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Elsie Lee Williams Holley and a nephew, William Holley, Sr.

He is survived by Chanyang Park and Roth Ou, who were like his sons; his nephew, Paul Holley (Sherry), great nieces and nephews; Tina Holley, Bill Holley (November), Pamela Holley Morey (Jerry), and Jeff Holley (Shannon), Paul Holley, Jr., Jamie Holley (Angie) and John Holley; and numerous cousins. 

Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday the 14th, 2026 at First Damascus Baptist Church with Chanyang Park officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends before the service from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the church.

In leiu of flowers, memorials may be made to Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries, 810 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 (www.conniemaxwell.com).