Max Alfred Eller

LILLINGTON- Retired Captain Max Alfred Eller passed away peacefully at age of 90 on Monday, January 14th. Max was born on November 15, 1928 to Tom and Bertha Eller. He was one of thirteen siblings. Max was married to the love of his life Doris, for 67 years. He is survived by his brother Neal, wife Doris and three children Sam, Mark, Catherine, her husband Arch and three grandchildren. Max graduated from Wake Forest College in 1951. At Wake Forest, Max was a member of the Pan American Olympic baseball team that played in Buenos Aires Argentina. The team was awarded an Olympic medal. After graduation he went on to pitch for the Raleigh Capitals. His pitching talents were recognized and Max was drafted to the St. Louis Cardinals. Having declared his desire to be a minister as his highest priority, Max turned down the pro league offer and entered Southeastern Seminary becoming a Minister. Upon graduation, Max pastored at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Knightdale and First Baptist in Maxton. Max entered the Navy as a Chaplain in 1957 and served with distinction for 30 years achieving the rank of Captain. After the Max retired from the Navy, he was the pastor at Angier Baptist Church and served as an interim pastor at various churches in the area. A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to: Memorial Baptist Church; Campbell University Divinity School or Wake Forest University.