Joe Julian Maples

Mr. Joe Julian Maples, 68, died Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. The funeral will be Monday, June 9, 2025, at 3:00 P.M. at North Oxford Baptist Church with Rev. Fish Robinson, Rev. Randy Bain, and Rev. Buster Wilson officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 P.M. at the church. Burial will follow the service in Kingdom Cemetery.

Joe was born on September 30, 1956, to Virginia Fuller Maples and the late Elmer “Sonny” Maples. A lifelong native of Oxford, Mississippi, he was a graduate of Oxford High School and his work history in the area was expansive. Beginning at just 16 years old, Joe entered the work force at Avent’s Dairy, where he worked for 29 years until they closed. During this time, he also began working as a delivery driver for The University of Mississippi Printing, working his way up to Assistant Director, before retiring after 36 years of service. Joe was never satisfied with idle time and found himself in various other positions throughout the years including 19 years on the night shift at Walmart, 20 years of service with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Department, and 20 years as the score keeper for Lafayette High School Football. In the midst of it all, Joe maintained a successful lawn care business for 40 years, supplied firewood to many customers in Lafayette County, and later worked for Angel Taxi Company. No matter what role Joe found himself in, he was always giving 100% of himself to the job. His grumpy exterior hid a heart of gold and a deep pride for his work ethic. Most who knew Joe could recognize him by his unofficial work uniform that consisted of his two favorite colors – dirt and grass.

Despite his many jobs and responsibilities, Joe found no role more important than that of husband and father. He was lovingly devoted to his wife of 42 years, Kim, and their two beloved children, Courtney and Hunter. Never missing a single event of their childhood, Joe proudly signed up to coach their little league teams, and reffed and coached countless games of soccer, baseball, and softball. While his kids were young, the family enjoyed many vacations and trips with friends. Joe knew the importance of setting a good example of faith for his family, diligently attending church services and teaching Wednesday night RAs at North Oxford Baptist Church. A natural outdoorsman, he made sure he carved out time to take his kid’s hunting and fishing, passing along his passion for the outdoors. He was present for each of his kids and grandkids first kills or catches, enjoying the milestone just as much as they did. As his children grew and welcomed grandchildren into the family, Joe carried on the tradition of family trips, gifting vacations for Christmas that they would all use for their yearly trip to the mountains or one of their favorite lakes.

Joe was the greatest provider and caretaker for his family. As a husband and dad, he proudly carried the weight of his family, providing all they needed before they could even ask. He did it all not out of obligation, but out of genuine love and gratitude for his family. Joe leaves behind a legacy of hard work, devotion, and a kindness that touched all who knew him.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Elmer “Sonny” Maples.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Kim Maples of Oxford, Mississippi; his daughter, Courtney Maples McCoy and her husband, Derrick, of Oxford, Mississippi; son, Hunter Maples and his wife, Miranda, of Oxford, Mississippi; his mother, Virginia Maples of Oxford, Mississippi; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Don and Betty Barron of Oxford, Mississippi; sister, Jeannine Walters of Oxford, Mississippi; sister-in-law, Kay Barron of Oxford, Mississippi; brother, Mark Maples of Oxford, Mississippi; brothers-in-law, Timmy Pruitt of Oxford, Mississippi and Kyle Barron and his wife, Jill, of Knoxville, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Tanner, Emma Jo, Willow and Stone; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Joe’s memory may be made to the Lafayette County Law Enforcement Association Benevolent Fund, Post Office Box 1271, Oxford, Mississippi 38655.