Estel “Big E” Maynard

1928—2022

Estel “Big E” Maynard, 93, of Beauty, passed away Friday, May 6, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.

Born Dec. 23, 1928, in Martin County, he was the son of the late William and Opal Buckley Maynard. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae Preece Maynard, two brothers and two sisters.

Estel grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. Although sadness and hardship swept the planet, he didn’t let it harden his heart.

He watched the world change before his eyes, so he was never short on a story that left you wanting to know more.

Estel was a U.S. Marine and later retired as a diesel mechanic. He was famous in his household, and to him, his greatest accomplishment was his family.

To know him was to love him. He greeted everyone with a friendly smile and his laughter was contagious. His memory will live on through those who loved him. “Our loss is heaven’s gain.”

Estel is survived by two sons, Estel (Beth) Maynard Jr. and Dane (Paula) Maynard; five daughters, Debra (Danny) Slone, Sharon Maynard, Pamela Moore, Mary Jane (James) Hannah and Cynthia McGinnis; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Glen Maynard of Ohio.

Funeral services were conducted Monday, May 9, 2022, at Callaham Funeral Home in Inez, with Mike Smith officiating. Burial was at the Maynard Cemetery in Beauty, under the direction of Callaham Funeral Home.