Couple is first to move in

Robert and Bonnie Maxwell have been a part of the Brewton area for more than 50 years.

But on Monday, the couple was the first to call Country Place Senior Living “home.”

Robert, a retired Navy man, will celebrate his 90th birthday come next June. Bonnie still teaches Sunday school. The two have been married for 67 years. They have a lot of history together. Earlier this week, they made more as they moved into their new home.

“I was the No. 1 committ,” Mr. Maxwell said. “I liked what I saw. Everything was provided for and they had a good amount of people that can help.

“Being first, I guess I get to brag a bit.”

Mr. Maxwell went into the service when he was 17. After serving some time in the South Pacific he went back home to Rome, Georgia. Staying next door to his mom’s house was to be his future wife, Bonnie.

“My life changed when I met my wife, “ Mr. Maxwell said. “I use to be a rebel. I use to love a good time. But love got a hold of me. She’s the finest woman I have ever known. I thank the Lord for her.”

His employment in the paper mill business would move him and his family to the Brewton area. The rest is history.

The move is still fresh but Mr. Maxwell is settling in to his new place.

“I like it here,” he said. “This presented me with a good opportunity. I still have my house as well as this place.”

Occasionally help comes to check in. In the meantime, he enjoys one of his favorite hobbies: television.

“I like watching baseball and football,” he said. “I’ll watch a soap opera.”

He thinks for a second and comes to a realization.

“The Bold and the Beautiful. I think that show is interesting.”

Country Place Senior Living broke ground on the project in September 2014. The new senior living community features 24 suites, creating a close-knit environment. It is designed so that every suite is within 150 feet of a common space.  This layout will accommodate various levels of physical health and stamina, while encouraging social interaction among residents.