Maximillian Owen Hassell

Maximillian Owen Hassell, 83, of Hilliard, passed away at home on June 17, 2023 with loving family by his side. He was born on October 7, 1939 to the late Richard Milton and Eleanor Blanche (Zagers) Hassell in Windwardside, Saba, Dutch West Indies.

In 1959, Max met the love of his life, Clara Jennie “Shirley” Tanner. They were married on July 14, 1961, in Jacksonville, FL where they spent 62 loving years together. In 1963, Max joined the US Army, 82nd “All American” Airborne Division. Max was very patriotic, he loved and served his country proudly…”All the Way”. When he returned home, Max settled into work for CSX Transportation, where he worked for the next 33 years as a pipefitter. Together, with his wife they also built and ran Hassell’s Nursery, a beloved Jacksonville westside horticultural business for over 43 years.

Max had a love for tractor work, growing a garden and eating ice cream with the grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and also entertaining them with amazing stories from the past. He was a very loving, kind and passionate person, who always put family and friends first. Regardless of how you knew him, you loved him.

Max was preceded in death by his infant brother Alexander, of Saba and his sister, Amaryllis Deal of Charlotte, N.C.

Max will forever be remembered by those he leaves behind. His loving wife, Shirley Hassell, his daughter Lisa (Jim) Hassell-Tyler of Jacksonville, FL, his son Mark O. Hassell, of Jacksonville, FL, his loving former daughter in law Amanda Thacker of Keystone Heights, FL, his granddaughters, Kendra Hassell and Kelsey Hassell of Keystone Heights, FL, and two beautiful great grandsons Chase and Alexander, his sister Joaquin (Mick) Dale of Jacksonville, FL, and brother Alexander H. Hassell of Hilliard, FL, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 23, 2023 at Conner-Green Cemetery, 2480 County Rd 2, Hilliard, FL 30246. Pastor James Conner will be officiating. Reception afterwards will be held at New Life Baptist Church, 1058 Wheeler St, St. George, GA 31562.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Riverside Funeral Home, Jacksonville, FL #904-781-9262.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Hassell family.