George Maynard

George Wiley Maynard, 95, of Sapulpa, went to be with the Lord on December 20, 2019 at his home surrounded by loving family.
George was born July 1, 1924, to Loy and Maude Maynard. He was born in a little rock house between Garber and Billings, OK. He graduated from Garber High School in 1942 and then completed his Bachelor’s Degree from Oklahoma State University and went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Science.
George faithfully served his country in the United States Army from May of 1943 through November of 1945 in the 36th Infantry Division, European Theater, where he was awarded with the Bronze Star, Oak Leaf Cluster, and Presidential Citation.
George met and later married Betty Lorraine Ness. They were married for 57 wonderful years and had three daughters, Cheryl Ann, Gloria Jean and Donna Lorraine. After Lorraine’s passing in 2005, George was blessed to meet Ruby Nadine Thoos who he married in April of 2006. They believed that God brought them together for this season of their lives and they have enjoyed 13 years of marriage together.
George remained a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sapulpa throughout his life. Other organizations that he was actively involved in include Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Red Cross, County Agents Association, Rotary Men of Note, OSU Alumni Association Director, Gideon’s and many others. He worked until he was 86 years old, first serving as County Extension Director and Agent for 25 years. After his retirement from that he worked in real estate sales and later as an appraiser.
As he tells his personal story, he highlights a life-changing event. He says,” After joining the army, I trained as a rifleman in the infantry. For the first time in my life, I prayed to God from my fear, ‘God, as I go to the front lines in the infantry, I know that it’s possible to get killed. As I added up my past life, it seemed so meaningless. If I died, what meaning, and purpose is there to my life?’ When you pray from your heart, God answers prayer. That very week, a fellow private in my outfit led me in the sinner’s prayer and my life changed. The Spirit of the Lord came into my life and I experienced an inner peace and joy. Truly, I wouldn’t have changed places with anyone. For the first time scripture became alive. It gave me meaning and purpose.”
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Don, Dale, Cecil and sister Nell. Also by wife, Lorraine, and daughter, Gloria. He is survived by wife Nadine, daughters Cheryl Terrell and Donna Allen, son-in-law Terry Turner, grandchildren Brian Terrell, Carrie Lorenz, and Adam Terrell, Joshua Turner (Nikki) and Jacob Turner (Kylee), Luke Hurt (Leigh), Jesse Davis (Fenni), and Hannah Allen. He also was blessed with 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Patty Wolfe (Larry), Barbara Tiemeier (Dennis), and Jeanie Spradlin (Earnest).
Visitation will be Thursday, December 26, 2019 from 3-5 and Funeral Services will be 1:00pm, Friday, December 27 both at Smith Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Smith Funeral home 1208 South Main in Sapulpa.