Maynard Wratchford

Maynard Wratchford was born in Petersburg, West, by golly, Virginia (as he would say), on August 31, 1950 to James & Mittie Wratchford. Maynard proudly served his country in the Air National Guard for 6 years until his honorary discharge. He worked for Safeway, Inc. from the time he was 18 until he retired in 2004. Safeway brought into his life, not only his best friend, Joe, who would become his brother-in-law, but also his beautiful and loving wife of 52 years, Cindy. Cindy and Maynard were married in August of 1972. They settled in Odenton in 1979 where they have resided for the past 45 years, and they raised their 2 children; a daughter, Stacy, and a son, Derek.
Maynard was an avid golfer and had always wanted to work at a golf course once he retired, so that is exactly what he did! He worked a few days a week and got to golf as much as he wanted. Maynard enjoyed traveling, mostly on cruise ships. He and Cindy loved to cruise with family, old friends, and new friends they met through cruising. Maynard enjoyed spending time with family and really enjoyed the spirited card games of Hand & Foot and/or Five Crowns. There was always a lot of laughter and enjoyment mixed with some healthy competition during these games. His other hobbies through the years included bowling, softball, coaching soccer, eating crabs, putting jigsaw puzzles together, and road trips with Cindy to visit friends and family. Maynard also loved his local sports teams: Orioles, Capitals, Baltimore Blast but especially the Commanders, previously known as the "Redskins." HTTR! He could be found on most Sundays rooting for them and supported the team win or lose. He was able to watch his "skins" play one last game on TV against the Baltimore Ravens before he passed.
Maynard is survived by his wife of 52 years, Cindy, his daughter, Stacy, his son-in-law, Danny, his son Derek, his daughter-in-law, Marni, his amazing grandchildren, Myles and Sully, four grand dogs, Dotti Lee, Rita, Dash and Luna, his brother, Steve and his wife Caryl, his brother-in-law and BFF, Joe and his wife Barbara, brother-in-law Gary and his wife Renee, brother-in-law Tom and his wife Marian, multiple nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews from Michigan to Florida, many cousins and relatives in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and other states, and many, many friends that he made through work, church and his hobbies. He loved all those that touched his life in some way, shape, or form. Maynard was kind, warm, and sincere and he graciously offered a helping hand to others without question. He even volunteered to dress up and play Santa Claus for local children around the holidays. He made a great Santa!!
Maynard was a true man of faith and he was very involved as a member of Davidsonville United Methodist Church. He was a member of the praise band, "Tongues of Fire", church council chair, United Methodist Men, and a member of Cornerstone Theatre, where he was often under the direction of Dr. Reverend Kyle Durbin. Maynard was always up to be in a show or to lend his voice to the band or cantata. He would also volunteer to decorate if needed or lend a hand in the Fellowship hall for any event. Maynard was truly a wonderful, gentle, one-of-a-kind, and caring man who easily made friends wherever he went, and he will be sorely missed by many.
Maynard passed away on a sunny fall morning, October 15, 2024 at Hospice of the Chesapeake, following a short health battle. He was surrounded in love by both family and close friends of the family. He battled with true grit, bravery and an internal strength that was not only remarkable, but a true testament to how he took on any challenge he faced in life, with faith, determination and a positive attitude. The family will be celebrating the wonderful life of Maynard on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Davidsonville United Methodist Church (DUMC) 819 W. Central Avenue in Davidsonville. There will be a short visitation with family from 11-11:30 to be followed by a service at 11:30. Immediately following the service there will be food, fellowship and music to celebrate Maynard in the fellowship hall at the church.
In lieu of flowers, if you feel compelled to, donations can be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 90 Ritchie Hwy Pasadena, MD 21122 in Maynard's name.