Ralph Maynard

Ralph Maynard, 89, of Montpelier, VA, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Eddie Dalton at Reese Funeral Home in Austinville, VA, on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Bethany Community Church, Austinville, VA 24312.

Ralph was born on June 4, 1936, in Logan County, West Virginia. He was the son of the late William Tolbert Maynard and Rebecca (Plum) Maynard. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Laura Bell (Taylor) Maynard; his brothers, Ercle Maynard, Randall Maynard, and William Tolbert Maynard Jr.; and his sisters, Margie (Maynard) Pauley, Nellie (Maynard) Moore, and Louise (Maynard) Moorehouse.

He is survived by his four daughters: Rebecca (Richard) Stagg of Maidens, VA; Lisa (Geoffrey) Sale of Richmond, VA; Denice Maynard-Dorton of Caroline County, VA; and Martha Maynard-Rose of Montpelier, VA. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Hunter and Logan Dorton; Lauren, Madison, and Shelby Sale; Taylor Rose; and Ella Skinner. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Waylon and Wesley Dorton. He is further survived by his loving brother, James Maynard of Delbarton, WV; his sister-in-law, Patsy Maynard of Valdese, NC; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

As a young man, Ralph worked as an Assistant Game Warden and Natural Resources Police Officer in West Virginia. Over the years, he also worked in construction and long-haul transfer trucking before retiring from Kings Dominion after more than 30 years in maintenance.

Ralph was a mentor, a teacher, a friend, a devoted father and husband, a proud grandfather, a brother, an uncle, and a cousin — but most importantly, he was a man deeply loved by so many. He was strong and stubborn, yet tender-hearted, and he was never afraid to show emotion. His love for his wife, Laura, was sweet, steadfast, and enduring. He felt her passing deeply, and those who knew him take comfort in imagining them reunited once more.

He loved nature and the outdoors. Hunting deer, bear, turkey, and even groundhogs in recent years brought him great joy. He was known as an exceptional hunter, tracker, and trainer of various hunting dog breeds, generously teaching others how to recognize the distinct calls of their dogs while scenting, running, and treeing. He compassionately bred, raised, and trained many prized hunting bloodlines. Fishing was another favorite pastime, especially when shared with his children, grandchildren, and friends.

Each year, Ralph planted a vegetable garden that he proudly shared with family and neighbors - though he often found himself in an ongoing battle with a determined groundhog who enjoyed the harvest as much as he did.

For more than seventy years, Ralph’s great passion was American Civil War relic hunting. He was a devoted member of the Hanover Metal Detecting Club, faithfully attending meetings until his passing. A fountain of knowledge, he studied battlefields, soldiers’ diaries, maps, and local history. He knew nearly every inch of Hanover County and surrounding areas, from the Colonial period forward.

As a young man, he also walked the mountains of West Virginia planting seedlings to help combat deforestation in his beloved home state. He participated in Lightweight Boxing and Golden Gloves competitions, demonstrating the same determination that would define him throughout his life.

Ralph loved sports and could almost always be found watching a game on television —especially softball. If a game was on, he was watching it. He enjoyed reading history books, watching old westerns and the History Channel, visiting museums and battlegrounds, and collecting Civil War artifacts. He also loved telling jokes, even if he had told them many times before.

He was a proud dog dad to Jack Jack and a devoted dog grandparent through the years.

 Above all, Ralph loved people. He never failed to lend a helping hand and would gladly give you the shirt off his back. He greeted everyone with a firm handshake and a respectful “yes ma’am” or “yes sir.” He treated all people with kindness and dignity, earning the respect of everyone who knew him.

Ralph’s love for his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his loyal dog was exceptional. He rarely missed school events, sports games, or important milestones, faithfully championing their dreams and accomplishments. He will be remembered for his strength, his stubborn determination, his deep devotion to family, his integrity, and the quiet, steady way he cared for others. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.

 Reese Funeral Home, Austinville, VA is serving the Maynard family.