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BORN
1952
DIED
2019
FUNERAL HOME
Michael Maples Obituary
Oak Ridge, TN
Michael M. Maples, age 66, aka Smoky Mountain Jedi, passed away March 5, 2019 after a brief battle with brain cancer. He was preceded in death by his father, Millard Maples; brother, Mickey Maples and half-brother, David Maples. He is survived by his mother, Zula Ann Cantrell Maples; brothers, Paul Maples and Carolyn and Mark Maples; half-sister, Elizabeth Potter; nieces, Jeannie Ullrich and Peter and Susanne Guy and Mason; great nieces, Jennica Ullrich and Bridget Guy; great nephews, Abraham and Rockne Ullrich and Bradley and Matthew Guy; half-nieces, half-nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind many wonderful friends throughout the country who followed him on his blogs, Facebook page and YouTube videos.
Michael truly was a man who lived in the present. He spent many hours, days, weeks and years hiking the mountains, studying the mountains and their history, and exploring the ancestors of the Great Smoky Mountains. Many "Hiked with Mike" and he loved hiking with anyone who wanted to go and listen to his wealth of knowledge of the Smokies. Mountain Jedi was generous with his time and friendship. He was a kind man who also had a magic way about him. The family is extremely thankful for all of his friends, known and unknown, who visited and supported him through his books, kept him after the fire and sent money to help with expenses during his battle with cancer. Before devoting his time to the mountains, Michael spent 20 years coaching girls AAU Basketball. His love for the game was second only to his love for the Great Smoky Mountains.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 9, 2019 from 4 - 6 p.m. at Ball Camp Baptist Church, 2412 Ball Camp Byington Road, Knoxville, TN 37931, with the funeral service to follow at 6 p.m. Pastor Dave Thomas will be officiating. Family and friends will meet on Sunday, March 10, at 2 p.m. at Huskey Cemetery, 4805 East Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738 for graveside service. Anyone that would like to donate in memorial for the Mountain Jedi, please do so to Friends of the Smokies or your favorite charity. Loudon Funeral Home and Cremations is honored to serve the Maples family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Maples
Sponsored by Loudon Funeral Home & Cremation Inc..
6 Entries
angela cable
March 8, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sandy Stevens
March 7, 2019
I am honored I had the privilege to meet mike and go off trail hiking. I bought all his books. When he worked in the store we would always go talk to him. We loved learning the history of the smokies, and finding new off trail hiking. What a great man. Truly will be missed.
Michael Murphy
March 6, 2019
Mike, I was glad to find out that you know the Lord Jesus when we talked in December
Shirley Henshall
March 6, 2019
Mike touched so many lives and had a love for his mountains that is surpassed by none. His legacy will forever be alive and his spirit felt as we who wonder those mountains use the knowledge he has shared for generations to come. Rest in Peace Mike. You have done a wonderful job. Even though I did not know you personally, I feel the loss in this family of hikers. God has blessed us all by sharing you with us.
Jenna Bobo
March 6, 2019
Mr. Mike Maples left a void in so many peoples lives. He was an inspiration for us to get out and enjoy life and live it to the fullest! The words Go Rest High On the Mountain seems very fitting for him.
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Memorial Events
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