The Opp community is mourning the loss of a long-time Realtor, community leader and friend.

Max Metcalf, 67, passed away Thursday at West Florida Hospital in Pensacola, Fla.

James Kelsoe of the Opp Chamber of Commerce described Metcalf as a “very solid citizen.”

Metcalf served a president of the Opp Chamber of Commerce from 1996-1997, Kelsoe said.

Kelsoe remembered Metcalf as a “pretty good football player” at Opp High School.

Kelsoe said Metcalf worked “out of Andalusia” as a Realtor and in the banking industry for years, including First National Bank of Andalusia, which is now Wells Fargo.

Metcalf and his wife, Angie, have owned Metcalf & Metcalf Real Estate since 1975.

“Max was a shining example of what a Realtor stands for,” said Donna Raines, Covington Association of Realtors president. “He was always professional, ethical and cared about people. As a fellow Realtor, we always enjoyed Max at meetings. His quick wit and humor made even the most boring meetings fun. His vast knowledge and insight into our profession made him a valuable part of our board of directors.

“But perhaps it was his illness that gave us the most inspiration,” she said. “We watched with admiration as he dealt with what life had put before him with determination, bravery, his trademark humor and a strong faith. He will be missed.”

Kelsoe said that Metcalf did his part in the Chamber and was always a leader as well as a member.

“He took part in things,” he said. “And was always a very active participant and supporter. He was also very active in the Mizell hospital board.”

Jana Wyatt, Mizell Memorial Hospital CEO, called Metcalf “a friend of the hospital.”

“Max was a dear friend to the hospital,” she said. “The knowledge he shared from his background as a Realtor, business owner and banker were only part of his contribution to the board of directors of Mizell Memorial Hospital.

“Perhaps just as important and certainly what stands out to our hospital family is the genuine kindness, integrity and generosity he displayed in all his actions,” Wyatt said. “We will miss his contagious smile and the positive words of encouragement he always had to offer even in his time of sickness.”

Metcalf is survived by his wife, Angie; son Chad and Kim of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; sisters Glenda McLain of Opp and Peggy and Buford Sanders of San Antonio; mother-in-law Hazel Dooling of Geneva; and many special nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Malzie and Ernest Metcalf; brother, Billy Metcalf; and sister, Wynora Griffin.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., tomorrow, Sun., March 10, at the First United Methodist Church of Opp, with burial following in Peaceful Acres Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends at Wyatt Funeral Home tonight from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., and one-hour prior to service at the church.

The family has requested that memorials be made to FUMC, 209 E. Ida Ave., Opp, AL 36467.