William “Bill” David Maples, Sr., 89 of Elkmont, AL passed away on July 15, 2026. He was born March 4, 1937, to the late Mack and Doris Maples.
Bill was a devoted husband to Nancy Jo for 69 years and a proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a member of First Christian Church in Athens, where he was an elder for many years. Bill was a graduate of Auburn University and proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the Army. He was happiest on the farm with family, where he found joy in tending the land and the Angus cattle entrusted to his care. He instilled his love of farming in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, passing down values of faithfulness, patience, perseverance, and honest work.
Bill is survived by his wife, Nancy Jo Maples of Elkmont, AL; his children, Dave Maples (Dana) of Lexington KY, Diane Pettitt (Mark) of Lacey’s Spring, AL and Tommy Maples, (Melanie) of Elkmont, AL; his grandchildren, Ben Maples(Heather), Josh Maples(McKenzie), Will Maples(Chellie), Sara Bell(Evan), Joseph Vann(Anne), David Maples and Erica Maples; his great-grandchildren, Jane Maples, Lydia Maples, Graham Maples, Emily Kate Maples, Jack Maples, Elizabeth Maples, Eleanor Maples, Maeve Bell, Finn Bell and JW Vann; his sisters, Anne Hamner, Susan Minor, and Jane Maples; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to attend visitation at First Christian Church of Athens, AL beginning at 12:00pm on July 18, 2026, followed by a service at 2:00pm to honor his life at the same location. Burial will take place at Athens City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ben Maples, Josh Maples, Will Maples, Joseph Vann, David Maples, Evan Bell, Steve Gentry, and Grayson Shinkunas.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to First Christian Church, Athens, AL or Hospice of Limestone County.
