Zollicoffer "Zollie" Lawson McCuller Maynard Jr.

Zollicoffer “Zollie” Lawson McCuller Maynard, Jr. passed away peacefully Thursday, November 30 surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He was a devoted husband, beloved father and son, caring brother, attorney, decorated soldier and political strategist. Zollie was born in Lakeland, Florida to Zollie and Jean Maynard on December 12, 1942. He moved to Gainesville, Florida at 3 years old where his father was a University of Florida instructor of Adaptive Physical Education for wounded soldiers returning home from WWII. When he was 8, his cousin Bill Shands encouraged the family to move to Tallahassee for a Dept. of Education position and where his mother eventually worked for Governor Collins. He attended the old Sealey Elementary School, Florida High for middle school and Leon High School where he was Student Body President, played football, basketball, track and was voted “Most Dependable”. After high school, Zollie attended the University of Florida where he was in Sigma Chi Fraternity, Blue Key, was student director of the Intramural Program and in charge of the Homecoming Queen contest. While there, he met the love of his life, Valorie Dunn and they began a 57 year marriage as devoted partners in both family and work. He was commissioned an Army 2nd Lieutenant just before marrying Valorie and left for Vietnam four months later. Zollie served as a Forward Observer and Field Artillery Officer. During the 1968 TET Offensive, all but he and one other were killed or wounded in his unit. Many more battles followed during his tour where he called in artillery fire and was surrounded by casualties. He was awarded a Bronze Star and another Bronze Star with “V” Device for his service. Zollie stayed in the Army Reserves after the war and retired as a Full Colonel. He was later appointed Army Reserve Ambassador for the State of Florida. He entered FSU Law School, private practice in Leesburg and returned to Tallahassee to run his father’s campaign for FL Education Commissioner, then worked as Chief Cabinet aide for FL Insurance Commissioner Bill Gunter where he and his partner in crime, Frank Mirabella, plotted and planned their next move. Zollie went on to be a senior partner in the law firm of Panza, Maurer & Maynard. Zollie treasured his family, welcomed everyone he met into his life and truly never met a stranger. He and Valorie moved to Hiawassee, GA after their Mexico Beach house was destroyed by Hurricane Michael. He was an avid reader and loved playing golf, but his greatest joys were his grandchildren. Over the years, Zollie made a lasting impression on so many and will be remembered for his war stories, humor, generosity and love for his family and friends. Col. Maynard is predeceased by his parents, Zollie and Jean Maynard and survived by his wife Valorie, son Zollie (Jaime) and daughters Lori Spencer (Barry) and Julianne Baxter (Travis). He is also survived by 8 grandchildren Hudson Z., Dylan, Avery Kate, Trace, Zollie IV, Oisín, Clélie and Rosaleen, his sister Jean Wingo and brothers Jack and Harry Maynard, along with many nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held at Bevis Funeral Home, 200 John Knox Rd in Tallahassee on Saturday, December 16 from 1:30–2:30pm immediately followed by a memorial service at 2:30pm. There will be a military graveside service at Roselawn Cemetery on Piedmont Rd. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.. Todd Wahlquist is assisting the family with their arrangements (850-385-2193, www.bevisfh.com).

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Zollicoffer "Zollie" Lawson McCuller Maynard Jr.

December 12, 1942 - November 30, 2023