SGT Billy Joe Maxwell, of Hogansville, was killed in action near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea on November 30, 1950. As American and United Nations troops pulled back during this battle and were never able to return to that area, SGT Maxwell was not recovered. However, in 2018 the North Koreans released the remains of a number of troops to American officials and in August of 2019, remains of SGT Maxwell were identified.

SGT Maxwell was born August 24, 1931, in Gate City in Fulton County but lived in Hogansville most of his life before enlisting in the U.S. Army on November 16, 1949. During the Korean War, he served in Heavy Mortar Company, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Ernest L. Maxwell and an infant sister, Patricia Ann Maxwell. At the time of his death, he was survived by his parents, James Noble Maxwell and Eula Mae Hale Maxwell; and his brothers and sisters, Henry J. Maxwell, Charles O. Maxwell, Marie Bishop, Betty Thompson, James H. Maxwell, and Jerry Maxwell. Since his death, his parents along with his brothers, Henry and Charles, and his sisters, Marie and Betty, have passed away and today, he is survived by his brothers, James H. (Pete) Maxwell of Hogansville, Jerry Maxwell and his wife Jan of Manchester, and a number of nieces and nephews.

A service with full military honors will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, November 9, in the Chapel of Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home in Hogansville. The Reverend Dr. Craig Williamson will officiate and interment will be in Myrtle Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday night, November 8.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mckibbenfuneralhome.com

Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.