Claude Maynard, affectionately known as Pops and Granddaddy, of Wallace (Pin Hook community), passed away at his home on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 90. He was born in Inez, Kentucky, on March 27, 1936, to the late George Maynard and Susie Fletcher Maynard Roat.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at Lighthouse Family Worship Center in the Pin Hook community of Wallace, NC, on Saturday, June 20. 2026 at 2:00 PM.  Visitation will follow the service.

Preceding him in death are his first wife Elizabeth Maynard and her children - Mike, Jeff and Sheila, their son Claude Jr. and grandson Michael Hill. Also preceding him in death are his siblings – Charles, Clyde (Lou), Ruth, Rodney (Peggy) and George, a special aunt – Aunt Bea, a brother and sister-in-law, IB and Melva Sholar and his father and mother-in-law, Elbert and Clara Sholar.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife and sweetheart, Juanita Sholar Maynard, son Brian Sholar and wife Sharon, daughter Emily Bass and husband Otis. He was richly blessed with many grandchildren – Erin Bass Barefoot and husband Greyson, Andrew Bass and wife Brittany, Quinton Bass and wife Jordan, Zach Maynard and wife Savannah, Christina Stokes and husband Jason, Danny Evans and Michelle Hill. His great-grandchildren include Grace Barefoot, Anna Barefoot, Asher Barefoot, Rowan Bass, Emma Bass, Charles Bass, Crew Maynard, Sutton Maynard, Banks Maynard, Jason Stokes Jr., Trenton Stokes, Kailey Stokes, Dylan Trudeau, Ava Evans and Nash Evans. He is fondly remembered by his brothers-in-law and their wives Wendell Sholar (Maxine) and Durand Sholar (Betty), numerous nieces and nephews, and Peggy Brown and Glenda Scronce - special friends who brought him cookies and sweet treats.

As a young man, Claude enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Vietnam War and during his 20-year career was assigned to the USS Wiltsie, the USS Hornet, and the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. Claude was honored to serve his country and was a proud veteran. Many times, while saying the blessing at a family dinner, he would offer a prayer of protection and thanks for those serving in our armed forces. His time in the Navy shaped him into a man who took immense pride in everything he did. He wanted things done neatly and he wanted them done right, an expectation and a standard that he held himself and others to. Upon his retirement from the Navy, Claude worked for over 20 years for Brown’s Builders in Rose Hill, NC.

Claude loved his children and treasured his grandchildren. He could often be found cheering for them at one of their ball games or attending one of Erin’s piano recitals. In later years, he was so happy when his grandchildren brought their children for a visit. Claude loved to bowl and would occasionally take his grandchildren with him. After retirement, he bowled in a league at Camp Lejeune while his health allowed. He and Juanita liked to travel, especially to Kentucky to see his family who still lived there. He took his last trip to Kentucky in 2016 but would often say how he would love to go back one more time.

Claude thoroughly enjoyed working in his yard, playing cards, listening to bluegrass gospel and “real” country music, watching old westerns, and sitting on the porch watching traffic go by. He enjoyed Juanita’s delicious country cooking, a perfectly grilled steak, all kinds of cookies, Emily’s pumpkin pies, and as much hot, black coffee as he could drink!

More than anything, Claude loved and doted on Juanita and she loved him. It was evident in the way they treated and cared for each other. Until the day he passed, they still held hands and would greet each other with a kiss! They spent the last few years confined at home due to his health, but it did not matter because “together” was their favorite place to be. As his caregiver, Juanita graciously attended to his needs and took meticulous care of him. She was determined to care for him at home, and with the help of outside resources and family, she was able to do that. Hours before his death, Claude and Juanita were sitting in their favorite chairs and he told her, “ I love you, sweetheart.” They shared a beautiful life together, one that reflected what “for better or worse, in sickness and in health” looks like.

Claude loved the Lord and his faith was important to him. When it became difficult for him to attend church, he and Juanita would worship together at home. Hand in hand, with their faith in Jesus - their anchor, they weathered the storms of life together until he drew his last breath. And while our hearts are grieving, we take comfort in knowing that he’s with the Lord, and we will see him again!

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing”.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

Memorial Service:

Saturday, June 20, 2026

2:00 PM

Lighthouse Family Worship Center, 539 Lighthouse Road, Wallace, NC  

Visitation will follow the service.

Community Funeral Home of Beulaville is honored to serve the Maynard family,