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Roy Asbury Maynard, Jr.
4/17/2023
Roy Asbury Maynard, Jr. passed away peacefully on April 17, 2023 in DeLand, Florida. His family is saddened by his death but finds solace that he has entered Heaven.
Roy was born January 28, 1933 to Roy A. Maynard and Gladys Thompson of Winder, Georgia. Due to some unfortunate circumstances in his childhood, he was raised primarily by his maternal grandparents, the Thompsons. Throughout his life, Roy spoke of the impact two men had on his childhood: Mr. George Thompson and Mr. Perry Hill.
Upon graduation from Winder High School, Roy matriculated at the Georgia Institute of Technology. His initial academic difficulties there led him eventually to leave Georgia Tech and join the United States Air Force. Roy joined the newly formed Strategic Air Command, which was responsible for keeping airplanes armed with nuclear weapons in the air at all times, as part of the country's nuclear deterrence program during the Cold War. Until the end of his life, Roy was extremely proud of his service and its effect on his personal development.
Roy first married during his time in the service and had three children. He then returned to Georgia Tech and performed well, graduating with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He remained a very enthusiastic Yellow Jacket for the rest of his life. Roy went on to a long, multi-faceted career in manufacturing and later as a management consultant. He was involved in the introduction of poultry farming to Egypt, and thoroughly enjoyed his many visits there.
Well after his retirement, Roy married Virginia Cochran Bradley in February 2011 in Epworth, Ga. Together they enjoyed living in the beautiful Blue Ridge area, until moving to DeLand, Fla., where they resided until Roy's passing. (A special note of thanks to Carolyn's son David and to Richard Swank for the love and support they provided to Roy and Carolyn in DeLand.)
Roy tragically lost two of his children late in his life: Michon Elaine and Roy Asbury III (Barry). He is survived by his wife Carolyn Maynard and his son Gregory Kent Maynard. He is also survived by Michon's daughter Logan Hartson, by Barry's children Erica Kramer, Cameron Maynard, and Rachel LeClerc, and by Greg's daughters Lacy Kimball, Shelby Maynard, and Callie Schevelbein. Additional survivors include Carolyn's children David Bradley, Stephen Bradley, and Dee Phillips. Roy is also survived by his dear cousins Chip Thompson, Tommy Thompson, and Anne Pledger. He wanted to also recognize George Galloway, who, although technically just a neighbor kid, became like a third son to Roy in the 1970s.
A memorial service for Roy A. Maynard, Jr. will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 beginning at 1:00pm in the chapel of Lankford Funeral Home, 220 E. New York Ave in DeLand. In lieu of flowers, everyone is encouraged to donate in Roy's name to your favorite charity.