Visitation: Friday, December 12, 2025
Visitation Time: 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Visitation Location: Fellowship Baptist Church of Pine Hills
6225 Clarcona Ocoee Road
Orlando, Florida
Service Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Service Time: 11:00 AM
Service Location: Fellowship Baptist Church of Pine Hills
6225 Clarcona Ocoee Road
Orlando, Florida
Obituary:
Maxwell Andrew Purcell, was called home on Monday, November 24, 2025, at the age of 63. Born on September 20, 1961 in St. George’s, Grenada. Max lived his life out loud and on purpose, embodying an unapologetic faith and devotion as a husband, father, mentor, and educator.
Max graduated from Evans High School and later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). Max dedicated himself to helping others achieve their goals on and off the field. He mentored countless students, helping them not only in sports but also in navigating life and pursuing college scholarships.
Affectionately known as “Coach Max” by his close friends, students and loved ones, Max believed in the power of community and never met a stranger. He coached football and track at multiple Orlando-area high schools, including Evans, Edgewater, and Wekiva. He was as a devoted mentor who helped many students pursue higher education and navigate challenges. He is remembered for his kindness, encouragement, and positive influence on the students and colleagues he worked with.
Max is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lucy Mae; their beloved son, Maxwell Purcell III; 7 sisters, Albertha (Tony) Thomas, Patsy (Eaton) Trotman, Pearl (Sylvester) Noel, Patricia (Francis) Rodriguez, Sharon Griffin, Renee (Tito) Vasquez, Anna Rodriguez; 2 brothers, George Purcell, Nicodemus Barclay; and a host of other family, colleagues, former students, and numerous friends who loved him dearly.
Coach Purcell leaves behind a legacy of commitment, sportsmanship, discipline, and compassion that will be cherished by all who knew him. His spirit and impact will forever resonate in our hearts.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 from 5-7 PM at the church. A service of celebration will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11:00 AM at Fellowship Baptist Church of Pine Hills, 6225 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando. Interment: Woodlawn Memorial Park, Orlando.
10 Comments
I am sending my most heartfelt condolences; my thoughts are with your family at this time i am
My sincere Condoleance to the Purcell Family. I am George Purcell oldest son .may uncle Maxell R. I. P
My thoughts and prayers to all of Max’s family and friends! What a wonderful , kind and gentle man ! I was a teammate of Max’s back on 1980 Evans Team , one heck of a football player but just one great guy!! God Bless you my brother!!!!
Max, You and I met In 1980, our freshman year of college at Famu He was funny, always happy and was a friend to everyone. After college we would occasionally see each other at football games or at his wife’s aunt’s house. Whenever and wherever we would see each other, Max was always Max, funny, a big smile and a big hug from my freshman brother. MAX, you are truly going to be missed. My condolences and prayers to Lucy and Lil Max. May God bless you and may God be with you.
Loss is hard and Max will be missed. He is loved by so many and gave freely if his time and wisdom to so many. I taught with Max at Evans and then at Wekiva. I called him daily at Wekiva sometimes just to say hello while he mentored students out of the classroom. Max will always be one of the most patient, caring, loving people I will ever know. He was always confident in what he knew and always humble to learn more. My thoughts and prayers go to the Purcell family, co workers, students, and athletes that he shared so much with. God Bkess.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Coach Purcell. I worked with them at Evans High Schools back in the late 90s. We surely had the E-High GREEN MACHINE spirit back then. He was a kind and positive spirit that will surely be missed by all who graced his presents. To his close family and friends, I send my condolences.
Wat een verdrietig nieuws. Gecondoleerd en veel sterkte toegewenst voor de familie. Astrid Purcell (dochter van George Purcell).
May his memory bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time.
You and your family are in my thoughts.
Tribute: Sincere condolences to the entire Purcell family on the passing of our cousin, Maxwell. Our deceased mother, his dear Auntie Eileen, I am sure is present in spirit with the family at this time. May God and all the heavenly angels welcome Maxwell into Paradise. RIP!
Sandra and the Charles family
I Love you uncle max.
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