Tossing Salt Presents
A Day of Dougie:
Friends Remembered
DougMaynard.com
Doug Maynard

Hey folks. Welcome to a Day of Dougie. It’s my 5000th post for this site, and I wanted to do something different. Something special. And what I’ve decided, well, I guess this qualifies. This past year, 2025, was one hell of a wild year. Between my own medical issues, both physical and mental, family situations, and so much more, I’ve been struggling. True story.

And unfortunately, as often happens in life, when it rains, it pours, and way too many incredible people who were once part of my life departed the mortal coils. They got their wings and moved to the next life. And what I want to do now is just say goodbye to these amazing, wonderful gems in my own way.

Five names. Five people who made an impact, in their own way, on my life at some point, who will forever be remembered. The world is a darker and sadder place now, without these lights shining and showing the way. So, indulge me as I say goodbye.

Conswelia Gail “Connie” Barber
October 15, 1962 – May 20, 2025 (62 years old)

This one really hurt. Most people don’t realize that Connie and I dated for a while, many years ago. And though it didn’t end well, after a couple of years to let the smoke settle, we formed a friendship that lasted forever. A hard worker, a loyal friend, stubborn as hell, and loving every second of it, Connie was an exceptional person. When I started having medical issues, she would regularly message me to check on how I’m doing, and we’d talk about old times, our cats, and what a dork I was at times. A beautiful person with a big heart and a beautiful soul. Connie was one of the good ones. I miss her.

Chad Tyler
April 6, 1972 – December 9, 2025

Talking about friends who have forever made an impact, this describes Chad to a tee. We were friends for a while, and even though we were both doing stupid things at the time, there was a connection and a bond there that will never be forgotten. He pissed me off so many times, but it was impossible to stay mad at Chad for long. I was so happy for him when I heard he reunited with the love of his life, Wanda, and moved on from the demons. A big heart, a smirk of a smile, and some great memories. I kept wanting to go to Hamlet and reconnect a few times over the past few years, but my own issues and procrastination kept it from happening. We communicated through Facebook and stayed in touch, though. I just wish I had made that ride at some point. Now, it’s too late. I’ll always love ya, my friend. And you will forever be missed.

Gerald Maynor
March 3, 1965 – November 22, 2025 (60 years old)

Gerald is an odd case because we never really hung out together, but we knew each other, always spoke and talked, and he and I were part of the same circle, not quite friends, but casual acquaintances. But it just doesn’t feel right that he’s gone. Gerald was a cool dude, and coincidentally, is Chad’s brother-in-law. That they passed only days apart, it just blows my mind. Gerald had his ways, as do we all, but we never had a cross word between us. A good guy and a good friend. He will definitely be missed.

Jonathan Ray Butler
March 9, 1986 ~ November 22, 2025 (age 39)

The infamous neighbor boy, as he was listed in my cell phone. Jonathan, better known as J.B., lived a few houses up the street from me. We interacted a few times, and he was an interesting fellow. Good looking, charismatic, intelligent, and full of personality and charm. He wasn’t an angel by any means, but a person couldn’t help but be drawn to him. Jonathan just had the aura, the it, and it doesn’t feel right to drive by that house and not get a wave. 39 years old is just way too soon to leave this world, but hopefully, he’ll now find the peace he was seeking. I’ll never forget this guy. I can’t say we were friends, but he made an impact on my life through our few interactions. Rest in peace, Neighbor Boy.

James Wesley Locklear
June 12, 1991 – December 30, 2025 (age 34)

This one is so fresh, so raw, and was so unexpected. If one person defines the words “Nice guy”, Wes would be the one. Always friendly, always polite, and always with a smile, or at least a small smirk on his face. I only knew Wes from either him coming to my job or me going to the UPS store, and always without fail, a smile and kind words were exchanged. I’ve known both of his parents since I was a teenager, but it never clicked that he was related to James & Yvonne until recently. Two exceptional people, and they have to be so proud of the man they raised. An amazing man in every way, shape, and form, who touched the hearts of everyone he encountered and left an impression that will never be forgotten. Wes, the man, the myth, the legend. Rest in peace, my friend.

And there you go. A unique and special bunch of people that I will never forget. Each relationship was different and maybe not perfect, but it happened. It was there, and it changed me forever, with memories, experiences, and made an impact. Rest in peace, my friends. Each of you was a part of my world, my life, and for that, I am forever thankful.

Ubuntu!