Max Frank Wilson
Max Frank Wilson, 81, of Galveston, Texas passed away peacefully, in the presence of his daughter, on Saturday, the 2nd of March 2024. Fifth of nine siblings, Max was born on Galveston Island, the 25th of August 1942 to Julia and Albert Wilson.
Dependable and industrious, Max started working the beaches of Galveston collecting bottles and chasing down way-word floats as a young boy. In 1971, he bought John’s Beach Service where he served his patrons diligently for over 50 years. During the off-season, Max’s wanderlust took him to every continent. An experience collector, he scaled the Sydney Harbor Bride, bungee jumped, and skydived in Australia, one of his favorite and most often visited destinations. An avid fan of boxing Max witnessed world-renown fights and saw all seven Wonders of the Modern World. Though he left no stone unturned, Max always returned home to the place
he was happiest , spending time with his daughter and granddaughter. A captivating storyteller, Max would recount with pride about his family and his travel adventures. He never met a stranger.
Charismatic, adventurous and incorrigible with bright blue eyes and a mischievous smile, Max will be missed by those of us lucky enough to have loved him. All are invited to join family and friends for a Celebration of Life honoring Max F. Wilson at Malloy’s, on Friday, the 15th of March at 5pm.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research. P. O. Box 1675, Galveston, TX 77553
Max was my brother in law! He was a good man and will be missed! RIP Max!
Max – you were so loved by our family – I will certainly miss your morning visits & our wonderful dinners – your stories – your laughter – I will always treasure the memories- Thank you for being such a dear friend to all! Mom & Dad loved you like family! So grateful for the time spent with you last June on Galveston Island!
Sandy & Amanda our prayers for comfort at this difficult time are with you! Sending
healing love & light! Your Daddy had on full life! He loved you both so much! His blue eyes shined brighter each time he spoke of the two of you!
Leslie Weed Knowles & Jim
Words cannot begin to express our loss of such an amazing Man. You entertained us, supported us and help us with so many things. You know you were loved and you loved us back just as openly. You will be truly missed but never forgotten. Every time you see the ocean or walk on a beach Max will be there.
Sandy and Amanda we feel you pain and loss but know that you were so deeply loved and you have family all over the world that will be there if you need us.
God’s speed
Max was truly one of kind man. Met and worked with him in early 60’s , I was fortunate enough being a friend since then. Like all of Max’s friends, I still tell stories about his adventures.
It was a sad day when I received news of Max’s passing. There was a time when I never knew when Max was going to call or show up unannounced; but there he was bigger than life! I first met Max when I served on the Galveston Park Board during his contract renewals at Stewart Beach. From there we formed a good friendship but alas the years have ways of separating people I always have fond memories of Max. I know Max left no regrets. He traveled all over the world and did everything he wanted to do. What a life!
Sincere condolences to the Wilson family. We lost a good one!
I always loved hearing Max tell stories about his many adventures and experiences. He was a great Father-figure to so many and I learned and gained incredible life experiences working Stewart Beach Service for him. Max was an incredible steward of Galveston’s beaches and his example of living life to the greatest has always inspired me, I will truly miss this man and send my heartfelt condolences to the Wilson family.
I’m so sorry to hear of this.
I befriended Max when I worked as a lifeguard for beach patrol in Galveston. I liked being at tower 6 because I enjoyed his company and his stories so much. He would treat me to a popsicle in the hottest part of the day.
He remained a friend to my husband and me, coming to our wedding, checking in on us and bringing Australian souvenirs for our children.
I will deeply miss Max’s generous spirit and warmth. He was truly one of a kind and a wonderful friend.
With deepest sympathy,
Sarah Beth Roberts
We attempted to reach Max yesterday when we sadly learned of his passing. My husband and I met Max when he was a beautiful 17 year old working for Harry at the Ambassador Hotel in Palm Beach. We were immediately taken by his charm and his kindness. We’ll never forget how sweet he was with the many older hotel guests whom he lovingly cared for. We continued our friendship for these many years, seeing him every year in Palm Beach and frequently in Galveston while visiting family in Houston. We talked with him on the phone a few times each year. We missed seeing him the past two winters and knew he had not been well.
He was larger than life—a big, strong man with a remarkably soft heart. He adored his daughter and grandaughter and always spoke so lovingly of you both. He leaves an empty spot in our hearts. We send you our most sincere sympathy.