march 21, 1943 - october 5, 2023
rank: sksn e-3
Dates of Service: 1963 - 1967
Heyward Frank Maynard was born on March 21, 1943. His parents raised Heyward and his two brothers on the family's farm in Apex, NC. His love and appreciation for community began there. He played basketball and baseball in the Apex community throughout his childhood and teenage years.
When Heyward married his wife Donna on June 18, 1976, they moved to Knightdale, NC. Once they settled in, Heyward quickly got involved with the Knightdale Little League baseball program. He shared his love of the game with his stepson, Ken, while he coached the Knightdale Mets little league baseball team. As an active member of the Knightdale Parks & Recreation community, he formed lifelong bonds with Don Lucas and Bobby Dutton while coaching Knightdale youth baseball over a period of 14 years. He was incredibly proud of the youth he helped coach & the success of the programs.
In 1977, Heyward extended his involvement in the Knightdale community coaching youth basketball in the Knightdale High School gym. He coached in the Parks & Recreation youth basketball league for 10 years. After transitioning out of youth coaching, he completed training to become a NC Certified Basketball Referee. Heyward continued to referee parks & recreation, junior high and high school basketball for twenty years.
During his involvement in the town of Knightdale's Parks & Recreation organization, Heyward served on the Knightdale Recreation Board and the Wake County Board of Recreation. Heyward helped organize and implement fundraising activities to support the programs & facilities. Heyward, Don and Bobby made many memories planning, organizing and working on events to raise money for the town of Knightdale's sports teams. The funds raised helped to buy equipment, uniforms, improve grounds, concession stands and restrooms.
Heyward proudly served in the United States Navy for four years. He and his older brother Ira served together on the Navy ship "USS Shangri-La" in the Mediterranean. Heyward was very proud of the opportunity to serve his country.
