William Robert "Bob" Maple

1924 - 2020

William Robert Maple, (Bob), 96. passed away in his home in New Bern, North Carolina on December 14, 2020. Born on December 2, 1924 in Princeton, New Jersey to his parents, Theodore and Elsie Maple.
Bob was predeceased by his wife Doris (Dottie) Brinson Maple, who he married on October 18, 1952 and with whom he celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2012.
Bob attended Princeton University prior to enlisting in the United States Navy in 1943. After serving he returned to school graduating from Rutgers University in 1949 with a B.S. degree in Agriculture. He immediately followed up with his Master's Degree in Forestry from Duke University in 1951. His work as a research forester took him and his family to Haleyville, Alabama; Harrison, Arkansas; Brewton, Alabama and to Williamston, North Carolina where he added teaching and counseling to his resume as the Natural Resources Department Chairman for Martin Community College.
Bob's service to his country was lengthy and impressive. After leaving active duty with the Navy as a Commissioned Ensign in 1946 he joined the U.S. Naval Reserve Staff and Command positions in 1947 where he served until 1983 in North Carolina, Arkansas, Missouri, Florida and Virginia. He retired as a Captain in December, 1984.
His service extended to the Coast Guard Auxiliary Service, Flotilla 16-06, Williamston, North Carolina beginning in 1977 as AUXOP, Coxswain, Qualification Examiner, Instructor, Courtesy Examiner, Operator, and Air Observer. In 1979 he became Vice Flotilla Commander, in 1981 Flotilla Commander, 1984 Vice Division Captain, 1986 Division Captain XVI, and ultimately Rear Commodore. His crowning achievement to his service career came when the USCG Station Hobucken, North Carolina named its communications center, The Robert "Bob" Maple Communications Center. The presentation came during a regular meeting and was a complete surprise to him. As the presenter announced, "it's not everyday that a Coast Guard unit names its communications center after an Auxiliarist." He added, "the William "Bob" Maple plaque is going to stay until the station no longer exists!" Bob served as a watchstander and the station counted on him to show up each Monday for his eight-hour shift for more than 15 years.
One of Bob's most enjoyable hobbies was performing in community theaters. He acted in many roles for the New Bern Little Theater, the Saxe-Bradbury Community Theater, The Brewton Arts Council, Martin Community Players in Williamston, the Best Lunchtime Theater Ever in Greenville, North Carolina and in Cherry Point. Bob also served on the Board of Directors of the Roanoke Island Historical Association (producers of The Lost Colony).
As a member of the Quaker Neck Country Club in Pollocksvlle, North Carolina he had a love/hate relationship with the game of golf where he enjoyed many rounds.
He and Dottie traveled a great deal during their 60 years of marriage. In addition to traveling to Kentucky and Charlotte to visit their daughters and granddaughters, they had tours of Alaska, Mexico, Hawaii, the Bahamas and many other places.
Authors Tom Clancy and Clive Cussler can thank Bob for much of their success as he was a devoted reader of both, devouring everything they had ever written multiple times.
Bob is survived by his daughter Mary Maple Schroeder (Don) of Gulf Shores, Alabama, son William R. (Bobby) Maple, Jr. (Diane) of New Bern, and daughter Elizabeth (Betty) Maple Gomez (Sergio) of Charlotte, North Carolina. Two granddaughters, Elizabeth (Betsy) Alafoginis of Vienna, Virginia and Amanda Gomez of Charlotte and two great granddaughters, three step-grandchildren Alex Schroeder of Surf City, North Carolina, Carrie Ann Simmons of Pinehurst, North Carolina, Ingrid Kathleen Hewette of Gulf Breeze, Florida, and six step-great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later, to be announced, date. A memorial donation in his name can be made to Breast Cancer Research, 28 W.44th Street, Suite 609 New York, NY 10036. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.cottenfuneralhome.com Arrangements made by Cotten Funeral Home, New Bern, NC.