Orville Freemon Mahaffey, age 99, died peacefully on July 22, 2011 in Payson, Utah, surrounded by loved ones. As Orv would say, “I have a terminal illness. It’s called TMB. Too Many Birthdays.” Orv kept up his sweet sense of humor up until the time of his passing.

Orville was born February 8, 1912 in Wetumka, Oklahoma. When asked about his birthplace he would say, “I was born into this world near the small town of Wetumka, Oklahoma, U.S.A. The reason I was born there is that I wanted to be near my mother and that happened to be where she was at the time.”

At a young age, Orville and his family moved to California where he spent many hours fishing and working in his Dad’s barbershop. He attended a one-roomschoolhouse. He graduated early, attended Fresno State and later transferred to San Jose State. He was a great debater. We loved to hear him tell the story of how he won a debate against Stanford University. Although he was small in stature, he was very athletic and was a great dancer. He was on the diving team and loved to roller skate and play basketball.

While in college, Orville was working in Huntʼs cannery where he met Gladys Virginia Hale. In 1933, after Orville was out of college,the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC camp) was formed under President Roosevelt. It was the height of the depression. By luck of the draw, he was able to join. It was during this time that his relationship with Gladys bloomed by mail, and resulted in marriage September 1, 1934. Shortly after their marriage they moved to Phoenix, AZ, where they raised two beautiful children, Linda Ann and William Hale.

Orv worked for Tiffany Construction Co. for over 30 years, first as their bookkeeper/accountant and then for many years as their manager. After retiring from that company he worked as a Civil Engineer Technician 3/Field Supervisor for the Arizona Highway Department for 10 more years until his final retirement in 1978. In his leisure time he loved to fish, hunt, yodel, and play golf. He was a great cook and always had a few extra fish in the freezer for company. His friends looked forward to getting a loaf of his famous sourdough bread on special occasions.

Although many events led to Orv’s conversion, prior to his baptism he was asked to help coach a church basketball team. Working with these boys led him to taking the missionary lessons. The team members gave him a beautiful set of leather scriptures for his birthday Feb 8, 1960. Each of the boys had written something wonderful in it, and it became one of his most precious earthly possessions. On Feb 12, 1960, Orv joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that is when he said his life really began. He was later sealed to his family in the temple for time and eternity. When Orv was in his late 80’s, he accepted a the call to serve an 18 month mission at the church employment center running the front office and working on the computer. He said, “I guess if the prophet can serve in his 90’s, I can be a missionary at the age of 88.” Orv helped many people through his service. He was also an amazing teacher and leader and served faithfully his entire life.

Gladys passed away in 1967. On September 7, 1968, Orville married Grace Chilton Johnson. They spent 31 years together. They loved to golf, be with the grandchildren, and spend their summers at their cabin in Munds Park (near Flagstaff), Arizona.

Orv had so much to share with those around him. He had witnessed many things in his life from the making of the model T Ford to communication by email and the Internet. We loved to hear his stories and to learn about life through his eyes. He was a great poet and his poems will be treasures to his posterity. Never a visit would go by without him saying, “Has anyone told you today you are beautiful?” or “Have I told you lately that I love you?" His positive outlook, and his talent to make others feel special will be greatly missed. We love you Grandpa Orv!”

Orville is survived by two children, Linda Ann Smith (Spence) Simi Valley, CA; Bill Mahaffey (the late Marlene Mahaffey, & Hertha Lo Mahaffey) Salem, UT; two step-sons; Paul Johnson Tempe, AZ, Michael Johnson (Chimasa) Franklin Park, IL, 9 grandchildren; Evan Smith (Liz) Manhattan, NY, Audrey Parry (Steve) Simi Valley, CA, Lamar Smith (Lisa) Highland, UT, Courtney Smith, Simi Valley, CA, Shannon Williams (Doran) Salem, UT, Crystal LeSueur (Gary) Mesa, AZ, Robert Mahaffey (Kristina) Florence, AZ, April Miller (Greg) Salem, UT and 27 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wives Gladys Virginia Hale & Grace Chilton Johnson, and his grandson Shawn Mahaffey.

A service to celebrate his life will be held August 2, 2011 at 6:30 pm at Walker Mortuary, 587 S. 100 W., Payson, UT. Graveside services will be held August 4, at 2:00 pm 2011 at Greenwood Memorial Lawn Cemetery, 2300 W. Van Buren St., Phoenix, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the LDS Church perpetual education fund.

Information: http://pef.lds.org/?locale=eng

Donation site: https://secure3.convio.net/ldsp/site/Donation2?df_id=1480&1480.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=6dnr2965n1.app332a