Maxie Waddell

Lelius "Maxie" Waddell, 87, passed away at home Thursday, August 10, 2023, in the arms of his loving wife of 67 years, Sandra Waddell. Maxie was a proud Jacksonville native and a star athlete. He graduated from Lee High School in 1954, married his high school sweetheart, and had three children. 

After high school, Maxie completed an electrician apprenticeship at the Seaboard Air Line Railroad Company, but life took him in a different direction. He chose a career in law enforcement and went on to serve 20 years with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. He earned a reputation for integrity, service, duty and dedication. He was an expert investigator and a master interrogator who solved many cases, including high-profile murders. He retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 1981 to run his own polygraph business for seven years. 

To everyone who knew him, Maxie was quick with a warm smile, a boisterous greeting and a joke. People loved his stories of glory days on the ball field and at the Sheriff’s Office.  Wherever he was, there was usually a room full of laughter. He loved his family fiercely, especially his wife and lifelong love.

Maxie was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lee Waddell; sister, Joyce Waddell; and son, Christopher Lee Waddell.

 He is survived by his wife, Sandra; two daughters, Lenora Taylor (Rob) and  Sharon Wofford; sister, Sarah Johns; daughter-in-law, Tansy Waddell; three grandchildren, Laura Phelps (Daniel), Preston Waddell, and Savannah Wofford; and great grandson, Daniel.

Family and friends will gather at Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, 529 Kingsley Ave., Orange Park, FL, for a Memorial Service on Thursday, August 17, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. There will be a graveside service at a later date. 

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