NAPPANEE - Rufus "Russ" Ray Maples Jr., 66, of 508 W. Centennial St., Nappanee, died at 10:10 a.m. June 5, 2008, at his residence after a four-month illness.
He was born April 7, 1942, in Sevierville, Tenn., to Rufus Ray Sr. and Ethel Gann Maples. On Dec. 14, 1968, in North Chicago, Ill., he married Shirley Jeanne Bonner, who survives.
He lived in Nappanee for 26 years. He worked in the foam fabrication industry. He also was an entrepreneur, starting and running two businesses. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Beluxie, Miss., as a 1st Lt. E-3 and inventory supply specialist. He was a member of New Beginnings Assembly of God, serving as a deacon and treasurer. He was president of MARCO Bassmasters, Plymouth Chapter.
Also surviving are his mother, Ethel Maples, Sevierville; three sons: Rufus R. "Rusty" Maples III, Nappanee; Paul Brian (and spouse Beth) Maples, Warsaw; Christopher Lowell (and spouse Kristi) Maples, Niles, Mich.; three sisters: Vivian (and spouse William) Ogle, Pigeon Forge, Tenn.; Wanda Sue McGhee, Sevierville; and Margaret Hayes, Sevierville; three brothers: Dennis Maples, Sevierville; Bill Maples, Gatlinburg, Tenn.; Kenny (and spouse Kathy) Maples, Gatlinburg; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville, with Pastor Steve Dawson officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Sevierville, with military graveside services.
Calling is two hours prior to services Tuesday at Atchley Funeral Home. Additional calling will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.
