Charles Nelson Maynard

Charles Nelson Maynard, age 78, of Hiawassee, GA, passed away on October 15, 2014, following a period of declining health.  He was born to James Nelson and Mary Lena (Kirkland) Maynard, on March 12, 1936, in Chattanooga, TN.  He is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Leslie Jayne Maynard Riley.

“Charlie” had an outstanding academic and athletic experience in both high school and college.  He graduated valedictorian from Decatur, GA, High School, lettering in football, basketball and baseball.  He was All State quarterback in football in his junior and senior years.  He is enshrined at Decatur High School as one of its greatest athletes of the 20th Century.

Charles Maynard attended Georgia Tech on a full scholarship where he was a quarterback on the football team and a member of the “T” Club.  He achieved an outstanding academic record, was a member of Phi Kappa Phi Engineering Honor Society and graduated with  high honors  in Industrial Engineering.  He went on to attain his Masters Degree with highest honors from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology.  He also did graduate studies at Harvard and Emory.

Lieutenant Maynard served his country in the United States Air Force as an Aerology Officer.  He was part of the first crew to fly into the eye of a hurricane as a pioneer hurricane hunter.  He was assigned as weather officer at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, GA, which was happily close to home.

After his service, Charles joined Mead Packaging Corporation where his competence and intellect elevated him to a Vice President position in charge of production.  This responsibility required him to travel the globe visiting Mead’s manufacturing facilities.  He retired to the shores of Lake Chatuge after 35 years with Mead and joined the Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris, GA.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Brenda Maynard, of Hiawassee, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Jamie Maynard Salyers, of Blairsville, GA; Brandy and Brian Hilley, of Oxford, GA; and John Riley, of Avondale Estates, GA; sons and daughters-in-law, Kirk and Laurie Maynard, of Cumming, GA; and Michael and Lisa Oaks of Loganville, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Don and Kimberly Maynard of Young Harris, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Joan and George Morris of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Kirk and Rick Riley, Ashley, Chase and Samantha Salyers, Charlie and Mary Beth Maynard, Tiffany and Corey Hood, Shelby and Alec Blackman, Annslee and Elam Oaks, Great Grandchildren, Kian Allen and Cora Beth Hood.  A number of nieces and nephews also survive.  Services were held on Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 2:00 P.M. at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Don Maynard and Rev. David Tinsley officiating.  Interment was in Laurel Hills Memory Gardens Cemetery in Young Harris, GA.  Pallbearers were:  Barney Word, Don Maynard, Mike Oaks, Elam Oaks, Kirk Riley and Rick Riley.

Charles Maynard was an outstanding gentleman and won the admiration and friendship of all who knew him.  He will be sorely missed.

Banister Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.