Dr. A. Max Lennon, 76, died suddenly, Tuesday, November 29th, at his home. He was the son of the late Denver Hartford Lennon and Mary Alice Kelly Lennon of Evergreen, N.C. He was pre-deceased by his stepmother, Marguerite Lennon. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Ruth Carter Lennon, son Daniel Lennon, daughter Robin Bylenga. He loved and was so proud of his five grandchildren: LeAnna and Denver Lennon; Madison, Max and Katie Bylenga. He is also survived by his seven brothers and sisters: Lynwood, Beth Fleetwood (Carlton), Denver (Laura), Ruth Dowell (Bill, deceased), Sybil Tucker (Donald), Foy Wiles (Everett), Bernard (Jackie) and many nieces and nephews as well as his beloved mother-in-law, Robbie Carter, and brother-in-law Ray Carter (Gladys).
First and foremost, Max was a man of God with deep faith and unparalleled love for and devotion to his family. The relationship that Max and Ruth shared for 55 years was one of beauty and an exceptional testimony of their mutual love for the Lord. With compassion for others, he had an uncanny ability to recognize the best in others and help them fulfill their god-given talents and destinies. His legacy will continue through all the lives he touched both at home and abroad.
Dr. Lennon was a 1960 graduate of Mars Hill College. He earned his bachelor’s degree and his Ph.D. from North Carolina State University which led to his education career in 1970 as an Associate Professor and Chair of the Animal Science Department at Texas Tech University. He was Dean at the University of Missouri and a Vice President of The Ohio State University. He became President of Clemson University in October 1985 and served there until 1994. Dr. Clements, current President of Clemson University wrote a moving letter detailing his accomplishments during his tenure at the University, which can be read at tigernet.com.
After leaving Clemson, he became President and CEO of Eastern Foods, Inc., then served as President of Mars Hill University from 1996-2002. A letter of remembrance and Dr. Lennon’s accomplishments while president of Mars Hill University are posted at http://www.mhu.edu/news-events/news-articles/former-president-max-lennon-has-died
He then became President of the Education and Research Consortium of Western North Carolina (ERC). Most recently, he served on the Economic Development Board of Madison County, was a Member at Asheville First Baptist Church. Throughout his life, he served devoutly in his church and community as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and community leader. His extensive careers in academia and business qualified him for service on many councils and boards, most notably: Duke Power Company, Delta Apparel, The Encouraging Word Ministries, Global Resource Services, First Union Corporate Board, and many other affiliations.
His honors and recognition include: Order of the Palmetto (SC); Order of the Long Leaf Pine (NC); Thomas Green Clemson Medallion; Distinguished Alumnus Award - College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, NC State; The Tree of Life Award - Jewish National Fund.
Services: A memorial service will be held on Monday, December 5, 2016 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church Asheville with a receiving of friends immediately following. A “Celebration of Life” ceremony will be held at Clemson University on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the President’s Box with interment immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Academy of the Arts, c/o First Baptist Church Asheville, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801; or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralservice.org.

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