Ira Henry Maynard

Hank was born to Joseph O’Connor Maynard, Sr., and Grace Wagner Maynard on July 20, 1938, at the family home on the Wake County-Chatham County line. He came into this world in the bedroom on the Wake County side. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Apex, N.C., where everyone, big or small, worked the family tobacco farm. Hank enjoyed sharing memories of the 40’s and 50’s about the family’s infrequent rides to Apex on the wagon pulled by their two mules along Jenks Road, then just a dirt track, to pick up the few supplies they couldn’t make or grow.

His mom taught him how to cook on the family woodstove and Hank took every opportunity to improve his skills, eventually becoming known for catering weddings, picnics, and charity events. His lipsmackin’, pig-pickin’ magic brought happiness to all!

After graduating from Apex High School, class of ’56, Hank served 20 years at sea in the U.S. Navy, from the lead-up in the Cuban Crisis to the Vietnam War & other missions around the world. Returning to Apex after his honorable discharge, Hank came to recognize his growing reliance on alcohol, and he had a desire to stop drinking. In sobriety, he was a dedicated member of Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon over 36 years. He generously supported and cared for alcoholics and their families, and his willingness, in addition to his love of people and commitment to serving others, led to his being tapped to be Director of the Fellowship Home of Raleigh. In later years, he was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Triangle Alano Club, carytac.com

Hank and Linda met in 1997 at a Coffee Cup Campout in Maggie Valley, NC, and married October 26, 1999. Together they loved sharing their life experiences, strengths and hopes that what they learned along the way could help others. Hank loved prayer, meditation, and country music. His was a pleasing voice. He and Linda enjoyed harmonizing on road trips to frequent campouts with “Coffee Cup Campers,” a gathering of AA’s and Al-Anons and their families who share and celebrate the joy of living free from the disease of alcoholism and addiction. Hank’s love of nature prompted him to build a trough in his backyard where deer and other animals gather for the corn that he and Linda provide in the cold winter months.

Hank will forever be remembered as a proud, thoughtful, tender-hearted man, a detailed planner with a legendary work ethic. A man known for his punctuality, often racing out the door, saying, “if I’m not 15 minutes early, I’m late!” He loved sharing hugs and food and laughter, giving more to his community than anyone will ever know. His “Hank hugs” were shared with people far and wide as he reminded us, “anybody told you they love you today? Well, I do!”

Hank was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Joseph O’Connor Maynard, Jr., and Heyward Frank Maynard.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Linda; his three daughters, Marcella Thomason, Ethel Iris Stephens and husband Dave, Rhonda Durden, and husband Eddie; Heyward’s wife, Donna; Hank’s nephews, Joey and wife Deborah, Jeffrey and wife, Cathy; seven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Hank lives on in the hearts of his many friends and family as we celebrate his spirit on his continuing journey in eternal life.

Hank and his family are grateful for the care given him by his dedicated doctors: Dr. Paul Henderson, Dr. D. N. Shah, Dr. Sung-Eun Yoo, Dr. Joel Kelly, Dr. Shara G. Vora, Dr. William Kizer, Dr. Brian Hertzberg, Dr. Ryan Gentry, Dr. Michael Ruffalo, and all the staff at Wake Med Cary Hospital.

No public ceremony is planned. To honor your friendship and love for Hank, please make a donation to his former home away from home: Fellowship Home of Raleigh, NC, located at 506 Cutler Street, Raleigh NC 27603,

a nonprofit 501(c)(3) foundation that provides a structured home environment for men in the early months of recovery from alcohol and/or drug addiction. All residents are required to work, pay rent, do chores at the Home, and regularly attend AA or NA meetings. All residents are expected to obtain a sponsor and actively work the Twelve Steps of AA Recovery. www.fellowshiphome.org