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Wayne Maples Obituary

GASTONIA - Omer Wayne Maples, 66 went home to be with his Lord and Savior on June 13, 2018 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

He was a native of Rockingham, North Carolina, born March 27, 1952 to the late Welford and Maxine Henry Maples.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Olin and James Maples.

Wayne was a member at Sandy Plains Baptist Church for many years before moving to Parkwood Baptist Church. He enjoyed the churches he served and loved the Lord. He had an unselfish love for people and was very much a people person. Wayne was very proud to have grown up in Rockingham. He served this community as a barber for over 40 years.

Wayne lived by "The way to find true peace in this world is to love the Lord and your neighbor as yourself."

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Gail Walton Maples; his sons, Matthew and wife Brandi Maples, Mark and wife Ashley Maples, Michael and wife Josephine Maples; grandchildren, Chase, Caleb and Elizabeth Maxine; and too many dear friends to mention.

The family will receive friends from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Friday, June 15, 2018 at Parkwood Baptist Church with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 4 p.m. in the sanctuary with Reverend Jeff Long.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial to be made to Michael and Josephine Maples Mission Fund, c/o Keys Ministries, PO Box 85, Liverpool, PA 17045-0085

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Published by Gaston Gazette on Jun. 15, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Maples

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I have just learned of Wayne's passing and offer my heartfelt condolences to his family. Wayne cut my hair for more than 25 years. I considered him my friend and brother in the Lord. I rejoice that Wayne is now in heaven. I will be praying for the family he loved so much.

Debbie Estes

June 19, 2018

Gail and family. I am sooo sorry for your loss of this wonderful man. He was so much more than one who "did my hair". He was a father, counselor,dear friend, a voice of wisdom, and instilled in me the word of the Lord as well. He is dearly loved and will be missed sooo much. My prayers are with you all and may His grace and mercy surround you. Me and mom loved our Waynipooh and are honored to have called him friend. God Bless each and everyone of you.

Jennifer Kornegay

June 19, 2018

Gail, I am so sorry I just realized Wayne passed away. Al and I truly enjoyed knowing him. He truly loved his family and everyone around him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

June 19, 2018

Wayne was such a fun person. We grew up in Rockingham, NC.
He loved his family including cousins. He was fun to be around.
His grandmother and my grandmother were sisters. Our family has many fond memories of him. He will be missed by us.

Martha Ussery Brigman

Family

June 18, 2018

To Gail, Matthew, Mark, and Michael:
Wayne was not only my barber for over 30 years, but he was also a dear, special friend. I only learned of his passing after the funeral. He always "worked me in" to his schedule when I needed to get my hair cut in a hurry. I always appreciated his love for the Lord and his witness. He loved his family and his customers, who were more friends than just people who paid him to get their hair done. I will miss him terribly. My prayers go out to you now and in the days ahead.

Kevin Haney

Friend

June 18, 2018

You were so dear to all of us, Class of 1970. You brought joy and laughter and fun. I will miss you

Carson France Richards

June 17, 2018

R.I.P Wayne Maples Thoughts and prayers are with Family and friends ✝

DerDee Stiles,Cohen

June 17, 2018

Wayne was a dear friend and my barber for many years.He loved his Lord and gave testament to his faith in all his actions and deeds. We will miss Wayne now on this earth but know he is suffering no longer and is with his heavenly father.

Ben Beasley, Jr.

June 17, 2018

Our condolences and prayers go out to all of the Maples family.
Roger, Lisa and Dale Hovis

June 16, 2018

"Too many dear friends to mention"( from Wayne's obituary listing survivors) How very true! Wayne touched so many lives with his wisdom,love,&humor...more than he could have possibly known. As he used to tell me," We are just planting seeds."His love for our Lord&Savior& telling others of His love&saving Grace was always first &foremost in his life,followed closely by his family & friends.It was a privilege and such a gift to sit in his barber chair- not for the haircut,but for the connection,correction,lesson, or love that somehow he knew I needed that day.We fantasized about quitting our jobs,&buying an old bait& tackle shop on a lake somewhere just to hangout,or hang a sign on the door-"Gone Fishing"....I had lost contact with Wayne the last 10years,&what a loss that I grieve. Prayers for comfort, peace,to Gail&boys-that God may hold you in His loving arms as you grieve your loss, until reunited with truly one of God Angels.

Bob Henderson

June 16, 2018

Diane and I knew Wayne from Sandy Plains Baptist Church. Great man and loved by everyone. He is singing with the Heavenly Choir now. Gail you and family are in our prayers

Rev. Danny & Diane Reece

June 16, 2018

My condolences to the Maples family. You're in my prayers. From your neighbor on Kensington Ave Gastonia N.C.

James & Priscilla Tate

June 16, 2018

My heart breaks tonight for everyone that knew Wayne. He was a great friend to my father and will be missed terribly.

June 15, 2018

My heartfelt sympathy to your family. I will miss our weekly talks, you provided insipiration, caring and understanding. You have left the world a better place. As you always ended our conversations I will see you when I see you.

Dick McDonald

Friend

June 15, 2018

There will never be another Wayne. For more than 30 years, he cut my hair, but to say that was all he meant to me would be an understatement. He was a friend, a spiritual guide, and someone who never gave up on me despite the countless mistakes I made growing up. I'll miss his advice and his stories, where I'd always say, Tell me another one Wayno! When Id walk into the salon I'd always loudly say, wayn-oooo it's Steve-oooo! And hed always respond laughing, Hush boy. Whenever I needed a friend, he was there. I'd often go see him even when I didn't need a haircut, just to sit in the chair and sing a duet with him to the dismay of the others in the salon. I know how much he loved his family and I hope Gail and the boys know how much he talked about each of them with a glow in his eyes. Rest easy, my friend.

Stephen Silvoy

June 15, 2018

Praying for you Gail and Brandi as your family goes through this difficult time.

Robin Hawkins

June 15, 2018

From the very first time I met Wayne who lived across the street from my Pops and I, I knew what a sweet and kind man Wayne was. When ever I got a chance to see him, he always brightened my day so much, that I never wanted to leave his side. Even when my Pops told me I had to go in the house, I stretched my time with Wayne as much as I could!

I'm to young to really understand life and death and what exactly is Heaven. But if Heaven is the place where my friend Wayne went to live, than that's the place for me. I will miss by great friend Wayne!.

Maximus Barbas Tull

Friend

June 15, 2018

Wayne Maples is the most honorable man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He did so many unselfish and kind things for myself and my family that I cannot begin to mention them here. But the most important thing that Wayne gave me besides his dear friendship, was the example he gave me with his faith and walk with our Lord, God Almighty.

Wayne was the type of man that other men would look up to, admire and respect. Not because of his professional successes or the things that he acquired in his life. But by the true measure of a man's life, and that's the people who truly loved him and were proud to call him their friend!

I can honestly say that in the nearly 65 years I have been alive, Wayne Maples was not only the dearest friend I have ever had, but someone that I call and love as my brother!

I look forward Wayne when we can meet up again, and just like we talked about so many times; doing some fishing while we chew the fat together. All of my love goes out to Wayne's loving and caring family who are a remarkable likeness to Wayne, a faithful Christian Man, who walked with love, honor, dignity and commanded respect by the life he lived. God Bless You My Brother Wayne. I Love You and can't wait until we are united once again!

Robert Tull

Neighbor

June 15, 2018

It is with great sorrow to hear about Wayne. All Richmond County buddies loved and admired the true man of God he became. He was thoughtful, funny and had a true gentleness that radiated through his beautiful blue eyes. Wayne was a guardian, a mighty soldier for his old Richmond County friends whom he never forgot. He carried my family during our greatest time of sorrow as he carried the grace of God in his heart. We love you friend. Our prayers are with Gail, the boys and family. Fly on brother, fly.

Dawn Stirk Cockman

June 15, 2018

Went to school with Wayne and graduated together. Was a lot of fun and a true friend. Will never forget him and will really miss him.

Tim Campbell

June 15, 2018

You will be missed cousin Wayne... Nancy Williams, Greenville, Wisconsin

June 15, 2018

Our family got to know Wayne through our son's (Chris & Michael) growing up and playing ball together. He was such a great man to be around. Always made life fun. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this time of difficult. "Aldridge Family"

June 15, 2018

Wayne and I attended school together in Rockingham. So sorry to hear of his passing - way too young. God bless all of you. Thank you Wayne for all the laughs!!

Kathy Jacobs

June 15, 2018

Thank you Wayne Maples. You made this world a better place. Thanks for all the love & encouragement you gave to me. I feel like a better man having known you. Your love & dedication to your family has prepared me for fatherhood. I think of our talks often. I will carry your spirit with me. Love you Wayno

Brett Summey

June 15, 2018

Wayne. It was Great Honor and Privilege to call you my Friend . You were great Inspiration to all that has Known you . Holly st want be the same without Your Smiles .you ARE truly MISS and LOVED by all who had the HONOR to know you . You were my Brother but most all you were my Dearest Friend . your Brother in CHRIST Steve M

June 15, 2018

I have known Wayne over forty years and loved him like a brother. His friendship and wisdom has made my life better over the years. He will be truly missed.

Keith Green

Friend

June 14, 2018

I have known Wayne over forty years and loved him like a brother. His friendship and wisdom have made my life better over the years. He will truly be missed. My prayers will be with his family and I hope they will take comfort knowing that he's with his Lord.

Keith Green

June 14, 2018

I knew Wayne only briefly first through neighbors, Carl & Lucille (Wayne cut Carl's hair before he passed away), then encounters at church. He always greeted others with a friendly smile. Carl & Lucille spoke so fondly of him that I felt I knew him before I actually knew who he was. May God bring you comfort in the days and weeks ahead as you find peace in knowing you will see him again.

Brenda Sanders

Acquaintance

June 14, 2018

One hot summer day a few years ago, when we were back door neighbors with the Maples, I stopped to talk with Wayne after I had been toiling in my yard behind the push mower. I must have been complaining about my yard, and how my grass wouldn't grow as well in the front as it does in the back yard. Wayne replied, "When people ask me about my yard, I tell them I'm not growing grass, I'm growing boys."
I'm a few years younger than Wayne, and my son is a few years younger than Michael, his youngest. What a blessing to have such a friend and neighbor, who was walking a few steps ahead of me on his journey, but was always eager to talk about his faith, and always ready with a word of southern wisdom and a laugh.
We need many more like Wayne in our world.

Mike Rhodes

Neighbor

June 14, 2018

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 comfort your family.

June 14, 2018

A great friend for over 35 years. We will miss you so much. Heaven has gained a special man. We love and miss you already. Your friend forever and always.

Jerry Searcy

Family Friend

June 14, 2018

I loved this man. He has been a very dear friend for 39 years. The world is a lesser place with his departure. I will miss him and our talks about life if there is any thing I can do for the family it would be an honor

Scott Spargo

Friend

June 14, 2018

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Funeral services provided by:

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service - Gastonia

2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054

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