Rellie Louis ''Bud'' Maples, Jr.

With a rich family heritage in the Smoky Mountain and Gatlinburg area, and with an eternal heritage in his Savior, Jesus Christ, Bud Maples, age 74, died Thursday morning, March 20, 2008, at his home surrounded by family and caregivers after a several year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Bud was a Christian who served and worshipped his Lord as a member of Gatlinburg’s First United Methodist Church were he held many positions of leadership and service. He was the recipient of the Harry Denman Award of Evangelism and served as past-president of Holston Conference United Methodist Men. One of his proudest areas of services was with the Great Smoky Mountain Emmaus Community. He was known locally as a former County Commissioner, member of the Sevier-Gatlinburg Airport Authority, a Search and Rescue pilot with the Civil Air Patrol obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Bud was a Charter Member of the Sevier County Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol and was a commercial rated pilot. He also served his country as a U.S. Army paratrooper jumping from C-119’s. Bud’s career was as a rural mail carrier in Gatlinburg as was his grandfather, Crockett Maples, who delivered mail on horseback in the Smokies prior to it becoming a National Park. He was preceded in death by his father, R.L. Maples, Sr., his mother Ruby Bailey Maples and brother Jack Maples, all of Gatlinburg. Survivors include his: Loving wife and best friend: Norma Maples, to whom he had been married 34 years Step-mother: Wilma Maples of Gatlinburg Mother-in-law: Anna Mae Cox Sister-in-law: Loretta Maples Daughters and sons-in-law: Tina Nelson and husband Eddie, Amy Hurst and husband Johnny, Alisa Johnson and husband Gary Sons: Patrick Maples, Rev. Jeff Wadley and wife Joy Grandchildren: Chad Ogle, Aaron Ogle, Kendra Ogle, Jada Ogle, Nathan Ogle, Caleb Bales, Dexter Johnson, Jamison Johnson, Jenissa Johnson, Brandon Wadley, Phillip Wadley, and Erin Wadley Great-grandchildren: Reese, Dawson, and Ryder Lee Sisters-in-law: Janice Zverina and husband Josef, Brenda Bohanan and husband Don Nieces and nephews: Bill, David, and Jack Maples, Susan Ayers, Eric and Stephen Bohanan, Stephanie Moore and Mitch Thompson Special thanks to caregivers Reba Valentine, Judy Ward, Alicia Roy, Tony Stepp, Gina Herron, Nancy Bohanan, and Baptist Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Sycamore Tree United Methodist Church, 1830 Clydesdale Street, Maryville, TN 37801, to Gatlinburg First United Methodist Church, 742 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, or to Sevier County Food Ministries, P.O. Box 6042, Sevierville, TN 37864. Family and friends will meet 2 PM Saturday for graveside service in Middle Creek Cemetery with Rev. Jane Taylor officiating. Friends who wish to visit are welcome to the Maples’ home in the afternoon. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville. (www.atchleyfuneralhome.com)