Woodrow Maples, 96, of Zephyrhills, Fla., formerly of Georgia, entered into God’s promise of everlasting life on Oct. 16, 2013.
He was the first child born to James Burton Maples and Mary Emma Dennard Maples on Nov. 10, 1916, in Mitchell County, Ga.
Mr. Maples was a farmer in Georgia before moving his family to Florida in 1951. He worked at Robinson Aluminum Co. in Tampa and retired as a fitter from Gulf Tampa Shipyard. He was employed by the Pasco County School District and later volunteered, earning volunteer of the year several times.
He served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s in New York state. Upon moving to Zephyrhills in 1974, he became a member of the former Westside Baptist Church. He was also a member of Tampa Lodge No. 240.
Mr. Maples is survived by his wife of 76 years, Mary Elizabeth Brinson Maples; sons, Cecil L. (Susan) Maples, Wendell (Vonnie Sue) Maples; daughter, Deloris Alderman (Leroy) Glaze; a brother, Tom Maples of San Mateo, Calif.; a sister, Betty Lou Timmons of Richmond Hills, Ga.; grandchildren, Greg (Kathy) Maples, Paige Rivera, Kyle (Jamie) Alderman, Larry Alderman, Teresa Wilkinson; 14 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by brothers, Alfred Maples and James B. Maples, and sister, Iona Lee Miller.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the East Pasco Meals on Wheels or Gulfside Regional Hospice in Zephyrhills, Fla.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. with funeral services to follow at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at Whitfield Funeral Home in Zephyrhills, Fla., and again from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Parker-Bramlett Funeral Home in Camilla, Ga.
Graveside services will follow at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 at Hopeful Cemetery in Hopeful, Ga.
Whitfield Funeral Home in Zephyrhills is in charge of arrangements.