Richard Edward Maxwell III

Richard “Ray” Edward Maxwell, III left us on June 21, 2014 due to a drowning incident while he was enjoying his summer with his friends. Richard was born in Maryland. He was the only child of Geraldine Mercader-Maxwell and the late Richard Edward Maxwell, Jr. Ray’s first 10 years were spent in Washington, DC. He just graduated from Mallard Creek High School, Charlotte, North Carolina, a week before he passed. Richard’s goal in life was to make a difference in this world by setting an example of productive hard work, open-mindedness and living life to the fullest. You could see his smile coming towards you, and if you were having a bad day, he would strive to lift your mood. Sadness was not in his spirit. He could spin any negative situation around and find something positive about it. He was unfazed by negativity. He was a loyal and devoted friend. He made himself available to anybody who needed his help even during ungodly hours. Just like how his father was, there was never a dull moment when you were with Ray. He always made sure you are happy and having a good time. Ray played hard, loved and lived hard. He literally lived his life as if it were his last. Ray was a wrestler, a long jumper and a mixed-martial arts fighter. But most of all, he loved anime. He was a gifted visual artist and he had an appreciation for all types of music. He loved the outdoors and loved having adventures with nature. Ray was especially a deep thinker. He lived the principle of open-mindedness. He was never judgmental of anybody. His mind-set and approach to life transcends that which is expected of a young mind. His inclination to inspire his peers to raise themselves up, just as he applied the same to his own life, belied his young age. Richard left behind his devoted mother; sister, Mongee Paula Gerardo; grandmothers, Minnie Maxwell and Remedios Mercader; great-grandmother, Ethel Maxwell; a host of uncles, aunts, cousins-in America and in the Philippines; and a large circle of both young and old friends. Aside from his mother, his passing is even more devastating to his grandmother Minnie and uncle Frank Gadsden-both of whom played major roles in his life.