Earl L. "J.R." Maybee, Jr.

Memorial services for Earl L. "J.R." Maybee, Jr., 79, of Sperry, OK, were held Saturday, May 13, 2023, at First Baptist Church in Sperry, OK. Phil Johnson, Elder Connie Bias, and Pastor David Payne officiated, and burial was in Rest Haven Cemetery in Sperry, OK. Honorary casket bearers were all of J.R.’s children and grandchildren, and the Knights of The Roundtable.

J.R. was born on January 23, 1944, in Sperry, OK to Earl L. Maybee, Sr. and Delia Dell (McGarrity) Maybee. He passed away April 16, 2023, in his hometown of Sperry, OK.

J.R. graduated from Sperry High School and went on to proudly serve his country in the US Army. During his service, J.R. was stationed with good friend, Jimmy Burt, Sr. in Cuba during the Bay of Pigs Invasion. He loved his country dearly and always had a deep respect for those who served our nation. J.R. had a long and prosperous career in the commercial printing field, working for over forty years with pride and dedication, including PennWell Publishing Company in Tulsa. He also co-owned Hope Oil and Hope Gas with a couple of longtime friends. J.R. dedicated much of his life to serving others through various roles in his community; as a cemetery sexton for Rest Haven Cemetery in Sperry for 23 years, and as a proud member of the Graphic Communications International Union. J.R. was a smart man with a quick wit that would always bring a smile to your face. His hard-working nature was legendary, alongside being honest and caring; these values made him someone you could always rely on. Although quiet by nature, J.R.'s warm heart shone through every interaction he had with others around him. J.R. will be fondly remembered and celebrated throughout Sperry for his giving nature. He would bend over backwards to make sure his family was provided for and never hesitated to help anyone in need. J.R. was a true gentleman, someone who would give his last dollar or the shirt off his back to ensure that those around him were always taken care of. J.R.'s proudest accomplishment was watching all of his children’s and grandchildren’s events throughout their sports careers, attending every game with his wife Sharon before she passed away. With great pride, he supported each one, no matter where their talents took them. In addition to supporting his family at sporting events, J.R. also enjoyed coaching both of his sons' baseball teams at O’Brien Park in Tulsa, and even helped build the concessions stand. He also loved fishing and golfing with both his sons, grandchildren, and so many others. He also enjoyed spending time with and taking many road trips with his partner in life of the past 11 years, Kathy. J.R. will long be admired for his genuine kindness towards others, gentle spirit, excellent work ethic and generous outlook on life. He touched many lives all around him while he lived a full and impactful life surrounded by family and close friends.

J.R.'s memory will be forever cherished by those who knew him best - including his family and friends that survive him like son, Tom Maybee (girlfriend Mona Miller), daughter-in-law, Stephanie Maybee; grandchildren, Madeleine Watts, Matthew Watts, Jake Maybee, Kennedy Maybee and Samuel Maybee; sisters-in-law, Glenda Holcomb and Cindy Watts along with her husband, David; special friend, Kathy Chailer; numerous nieces and nephews, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Maybee; son, Steve Maybee; parents, Earl Maybee, Sr. and Delia Dell (McGarrity) Maybee; and brothers, Clarence "Sonny" Maybee, and Charles "Buddy" Maybee.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.