Michael G. Maples Sr.

Michael “Coach” Maples, Sr. was welcomed into heaven on Saturday, April 19, 2014. A true Southern gentleman, Michael was born and raised in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains, and later moved to Central Florida and graduated from Seminole High School. Mike went on to own and operate Mike’s Auto Electric in Sanford for more than 30 years.

An avid outdoorsman, Mike enjoyed working around his yard, reeling in big bass on the St. John’s River, playing men’s baseball throughout Central Florida, golfing the links with his pals and hunting whitetail from his cabin in central Georgia. And when all of that wasn’t occupying his time, Mike could be found surrounded by family and friends – living, laughing, and loving life.

Mike displayed immeasurable courage throughout his long battle with skin cancer, never losing sight of his Faith in Christ, his testimony serving as an example to all who knew and loved him, especially the baseball players he coached.

Baseball wasn’t Mike’s life; it was his passion for life! From his earliest days as a player at Seminole High School to his years as a notorious youth coach in Sanford Little League, Coach Mike helped start West Volusia Youth Baseball, and finally, ended his coaching career as the present Manager and former Head Coach of Trinity Christian Academy’s championship program from the years of 2007 to the present. In 2009, Coach Mike led TCA to its first FHSAA Baseball State Championship, a first for any school in Volusia County in more than 50 years, and he did it again, winning back-to-back titles in 2010. Throughout Mike’s 8-year tenure at TCA, the program has made six consecutive FHSAA Final Four appearances, winning titles in 2009, 2010 and 2012. His success has been one for the record books!

Predeceased by his parents, Hubert and Georgia Maples, Michael is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mona. His sons, Mike Jr. and wife, DeAnne, and their children, Beau, Kyle and Meridyth; and his son, Bryan and wife, Kimberly, and their children, Jessica and Bryson. Siblings, Deborah Maples, Barbara Inge, Gary Maples and Janet Maples. Mother-in-law, Mildred Maxwell. And a host of adoring nieces, nephews and dear friends.

While all of Mike’s accolades are important details in a life well lived, it’s most important to note that without any of those, he was still a man of great integrity, unwavering Faith, remarkable bravery, endless generosity, and tenacious spirit. Mike was a wonderful husband, a devoted father, and an adored Poppy and we will forever cherish his memory, honor his legacy and perpetuate his generosity.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Mike Maples Sr. Foundation c/o Trinity Christian Academy Athletic Department 875 Elkcam Boulevard Deltona, FL 32725 in support of the baseball program and student scholarships. Arrangements are under the direction of Deltona Memorial Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, April 22 at 2 p.m. at Volusia County Baptist Church, 261 S. Orange Ave., Orange City, FL 32763, with visitation from noon to service time. Graveside service with full Military Honors will be rendered at Deltona Memorial Gardens, Orange City, FL.