French Maggard

French D. Maggard - 1939-2009
French D. "Frenchie" Maggard, 70, of Ashland passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2009, after a battle with mesothelioma. He was born in Westwood on May 20, 1939, to the late James Tivis (J.T.) and Letha Wright Maggard.
Maggard was a demolition specialist in the United States Army, stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany, and was also a member of the National Guard. After serving our country, he worked as a bricklayer at AK steel for 34 years. He was a member of the United Steelworkers of America and the International Union of Bricklayers.
Maggard was an active member of Rose Hill Baptist Church for 30 years, serving as a deacon and visiting with widows through the Widows Ministry program. He was also a member of the Greenup Baptist Builders, constructing wheelchair ramps for many in need. He was dedicated to helping youth in the community, serving on the Rose Hill Christian School Board for 15 years, and volunteering at both the Ramey Home and the Boys Group Home. Maggard also volunteered at the Ashland Community Kitchen and was a frequent blood donor, giving over 32 gallons to the American Red Cross in his lifetime.
In addition to helping those in need, Maggard loved fishing, especially with his grandchildren. He was an avid gardener, and often shared his bounty with neighbors and friends. He was a man with a special talent for fixing things, and loved to help friends and family with their projects. His favorite hobby later in life was camping with his wife and their beloved dog, Trixie.
In addition to his parents, Maggard was preceded in death by his brother, Jesse Maggard. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Shirley Maggard; brothers, Frank Maggard and Tivis (Donnie) Maggard of Ashland, and Ray (Melanie) Maggard of Hamilton, Ohio; two sons, Randall Maggard of Catlettsburg and Ronald (Lynne) Maggard of Wesley Chapel, Fla., and a special niece, Teresa Williams of Catlettsburg, who helped care for him during his illness. He will also be greatly missed by his four grandchildren, Annie, Brad, Kevin and Taylor Maggard.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Rose Hill Baptist Church by Dr. Ronnie Mayes and Dr. Charles Stewart. Entombment will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park Mausoleum.
Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Caniff Funeral Home in Westwood, with military graveside rites by Kenova American Legion Post 93.
Pallbearers will be deacons of Rose Hill Baptist Church and honorary pallbearers will be members of Smokey Ingram's Men's Sunday School Class.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rose Hill Christian School, 1001 Winslow Road, Ashland, Kentucky 41102 or Ashland Community Kitchen, 1337 Winchester Avenue, Ashland, Kentucky 41101.