Charles R. Maples

Virginia Beach – Charles Riley Maples, of the 3800 block of Shadow Lane, died on January 31, 2011. He was 87. Mr. Maples was born in Elizabeth City, North Carolina to the late Mittie Davis Maples and Willard Wilton Maples. He is predeceased by his son, Duane Blair Maples, three sisters, Elma Brinn, Edna Fitzgerald and Nellie Mae Dillon, and brother, Lyle Maples.

Mr. Maples retired from the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company of Virginia as a Network Equipment Engineering Manager. He had a net credited service record of 42 years which included a 3 year special assignment with the Bell Telephone Laboratories of New Jersey.

Mr. Maples was a veteran of World War II and served in the 20th Air Force, flying as a crew member in the 500th Bombardment Group of B-29 Superfortress long-range bombers operating from the Island of Saipan. He was credited with 35 combat missions flown mostly against mainland Japan, but also included action over Iwo Jima and Okinawa. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, 5 Air Medals, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. His unit was awarded two Presidential Distinguished Unit Citations.

Mr. Maples was a former deacon at the Bon Air Baptist Church of Richmond and an active member of the Thalia Lynn Baptist Church in Virginia Beach.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Anna Alexander Maples of Virginia Beach, VA; son, A. Craig Maples and wife Rebecca W. Maples of Chesapeake, VA; daughter-in-law, Carol Maples of Virginia Beach; two sisters, Geraldine Smith of Chase City, VA; and Carol Phillippi and husband Maury Phillippi of Chesapeake, VA; and one brother, James Maples and wife Helen Maples of Virginia Beach, VA; and two grandchildren, Justin Larkin of Pennsylvania and Monica A. Maples of Chesapeake, VA.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Thalia Lynn Baptist Church, 4392 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23462-3105. Pastor Prentise McGoldrick will be officiating. A visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service at 1 p.m. Burial will follow at Rosewood Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you consider making a gift to Thalia Lynn Baptist Church.

You may pay your condolences at www.kellumfuneralhome.com