Willard George Maynard Sr.

Willard (Will) George Maynard, Senior, better known to family as “Pop,” passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 9, 2025, at the age of 76, in his home in Saint Cloud, Florida. He had lived in this Bay Lake home for 25 years, built in 2000 on the land his wife picked out for their dream retirement. He was born on September 25, 1948, in Harlan County, Kentucky, to Charles Maynard and Vinia (Sturgill) Maynard. Growing up with five brothers (Thomas, Lucky, John L, Cecile, Denny), one sister (Juanita), and a single mom, he learned early on the value of hard work, sacrifice, and taking care of family. While his early years began in Kentucky, most of his formidable years were spent in Maryland. Will joined the U.S. Navy in 1965, at the age of 17, and sent money home every week to help support his mother and siblings still at home. While serving, he became certified in HV/AC (Heating Ventilation/Air Conditioning), the skill that would shape his career. He was stationed in Spain, a place he loved to talk about, and it was that climate (along with his love of Disney) that eventually drew him to Florida. Will served in the US Navy from 1965 to 1969. On August 1, 1970, Will at 21 years old married the love of his life, Janet Lee Durst. They shared 52 incredible years together until her passing on November 25, 2022, a loss that left him heartbroken. They had two sons, Willard George, Jr. (wife Kandi) and Ryan Keith (wife Kelley). He was a proud grandfather to Grady, Paityn, Paige, and Preston, and a great-grandfather to Reese, Raelynn, Remi, and Dale, with one more on the way. While in Maryland, Will worked at Westinghouse, Bethlehem Steel, and Johns Hopkins Hospital before starting his own HV/AC company, Maynard’s Refrigeration, Heating and Air Conditioning. He never stopped learning and was always striving to make himself better. Over the years, he earned his Master Gas Fitter’s License, his Master Electrical License, and other professional certifications, and even took college courses toward his associate’s degree, with Janet by his side helping him study. After an unforgettable Disney vacation in 1988 and a brutal Maryland winter that year, he and Janet decided it was time for a change. In 1989, at the age of 41, Will and his family made the move to Florida. In June 1989, Will began what became a 27-year career at Walt Disney World, retiring in 2016 at the age of 68. During his career at Disney, Will worked his way to Engineering Manager, serving at the Contemporary, Polynesian and Grand Floridian resorts, as well as the Magic Kingdom and Disney Springs. He was also on the opening teams for Pop Century, Dixie Landings (now Port Orleans – Riverside), and Caribbean Beach Resort. He loved working for Disney, and he and Janet spent countless weekends exploring the parks, walking the resort grounds, or sailing away on Disney cruises with family. Outside of work, Will earned a 4th-degree black belt in Moo Duk Kwan (Korean karate) and trained not just his own children, but also other kids from church, always for free. His son Willard, Jr. earned his blue belt, and his son Ryan earned his black belt under his father’s guidance. But what Will loved the most was spending time with his wife, children, and their families, no matter the activity. Whether it was a family gathering, a holiday, or just a regular afternoon, he found joy in every moment and made it fun for everyone. He was also an avid reader, loved watching movies, taking long walks, took pride in working in his yard, and enjoyed the many animals that visited his property — including deer, turkey, chickens, foxes, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, owls, hawks, and more. More than his career or accomplishments, Will was known for always being there. If the AC went out at 10 p.m., he was there. If someone needed help wiring a light switch, he was there. If advice or a listening ear was needed, he was there. His wisdom, generosity, and love touched every life around him, and we will miss him more than words can ever say. Until we meet again in the Kingdom of God, where I know he and Mom will be waiting with open arms, I love you and I know you are watching over us.

Willard George Maynard Sr.

September 25, 1948 - August 9, 2025