Maxwell Gregory French III

Maxwell Gregory French III 'Frenchie', 67, passed away Sunday, October 5, 2025 at his beloved daughter's home In Virginia Beach, Virginia, surrounded by his loving family after many years of battling health issues. Maxwell was born November 21, 1957, to Betty French (Howard) and Maxwell French, Jr. in New London, Ohio. Maxwell was an Elyria High graduate, then joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Ft. Hood, Texas. Maxwell also played semi-pro football for the Oklahoma City Drillers. Maxwell French spent many years as a car salesman for Good Deal Used Cars in Lorain, Ohio. He was a well known pool player in the city of Elyria, playing in many pool tournaments. Maxwell was a coach for his son's flag football team, loved to fish, nature, animals, play chess and loved our country, but his biggest love and passion was always his guitar/music. He loved to play his guitar and loved to make people smile while strumming his tunes. Maxwell, in 2015, opened Frenchies Guitars and more in downtown Elyria in which he and his friend, Boomer, fixed, and sold guitars as well as other music equipment. Maxwell loved his children, grandchildren, and his late wife, Maryanne French so very much. In addition to being preceded in death by his beloved parents, Maxwell French, Jr. and Betty French (Howard); Maxwell was preceded by his sister, Diana Creamer; uncles, Bobby Howard, John Howard; aunt, MiMi Luxon of New London, Ohio, Norma Huebler of New London, Ohio; with many other loved ones who welcomed him home at the time of his passing. Left here to cherish his memory are his beloved children, Brian Hayhurst of Naples, Florida, Halley Jean of Ohio, Lucille Stewart of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Maxwell G. French IV of Elyria, Ohio, Edward French of Cape Coral, Florida; son-in-law, Petty Officer Larry Stewart of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sister, Andrea (Brian) Andel of Austin Texas. Maxwell leaves behind his seven grandchildren who he loved and adored so very much; as well as many cousins and friends who will forever miss and love him and his music. A visitation and service to honor his memory is being planned for a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www.vacremationsociety.com As Frenchie always said, 'Do your best Everyday'... Pops/Frenchie.