Terry Lee Maynard

Terry Lee Maynard

1951 – 2025

While we will miss him dearly, we are happy to announce that on December 22, 2025, Terry Lee Maynard, 74, finally got his first real night of good sleep. He closed his eyes and awoke to find his beloved wife of 55 years, Valerie, waiting for him with a bowl of ice cream and a cup of coffee, telling him to hurry up and enter the pearly gates because she "didn't have all day."

Born April 30, 1951, on a kitchen table in Delbarton, West Virginia, Terry was the fifth of seven children born to John Smith and Ruth Lee (Medley) Maynard. His "hillbilly" upbringing in the hollows of Mingo County and the suburbs of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, instilled in him the three pillars of his life: an unwavering loyalty to family, a deep appreciation for a good meal (always followed by dessert), and a soul that was only truly at rest in the great outdoors.

The tight-knit Maynard family migrated between West Virginia, California, and Ohio, adventuring hard and laughing often. In Reynoldsburg, the Maynard boys became local legends for breaking hearts and-on occasion-heads. Terry, ever the lover and rarely the fighter, preferred the heart-breaking side of the business, though he was always ready to lend a helping hand (or a fist) if his brothers called.

While Reynoldsburg was often considered home, Delbarton held Terry's heart. He relished summers at the "Homeplace," enjoying the endless spread of heavenly goodness "Mom Maynard" effortlessly whipped up to ensure no one EVER went hungry. The hours spent on porches listening to his colorful Aunts and Uncles sing, play the banjo and tell tall tales of family folklore brought him joy throughout his life.

If West Virginia held his heart, California captivated his dreams. It was there he mastered the drums-despite not being able to read a lick of music. His talent caught the attention of Bill Medley of the Righteous Brothers, who while visiting friends in Santa Ana, overheard Terry playing from across the street. Unfortunately, the transition from gospel to rock 'n' roll did not sit well with his devout parents. Upon hearing that Mr. Medley wanted Terry in his recording studio, they promptly packed the car and drove back East to avoid the "devil's temptation" of stardom.

Yearning for a new adventure, Terry enlisted in the Marine Corps at 18 yrs and was shipped to Paris Island. Earning the title of Marine was one of his proudest accomplishments, topped only by seeing his eldest namesake graduate from the same hallowed grounds years later. His service eventually brought him to the love of his life, Valerie, a young beauty training in Kansas City, Missouri to be an airline stewardess. Her long dark hair caught his eye at a dance hall, and the two danced their way through trophy after trophy and a lifetime of love.

Relocating to Polk County, Florida, to be closer to family and the sun, Terry immersed himself in community life. He joined the Lake Alfred Lions Club and became a fixture at ballparks, food drives, Easter egg hunts, and Lions Bingo. Whether coaching baseball or attending cheerleading events, Terry was there for his children, grandbabies, and every neighborhood kid in between. Weekends were spent loading his van for trips to the drive-in, Red Sox spring training, or his personal favorite: fishing all night off the pier at Sebastian Inlet.

With the heart of a dreamer, Terry's passion for life illuminated every stage of his journey. Music was his constant backdrop; the outdoors was his stage. He danced with Valerie, sang to Elvis and Michael Jackson, jammed on his drums, and shared stories with neighbors under his carport.

Yet, his family held the highest place in his heart, their love rivaled only by his affection for ice cream straight from the box, Aunt Nancy's spaghetti, and Aunt June's legendary fudge.

Terry's legacy is woven through the hearts of those he leaves behind, including his devoted children: Terry (Kim) Maynard, Jr., Julie (Keith) Alfieri, and Michael (Jenny) Maynard. He cherished his role as Papaw, doting on his grandchildren: Kaitlyn O'Neal, Kelci Maynard, Kaci Maynard, Taylor (Mo) Johnson, Chasity Maynard,, Kyle (Destiny) Johnson, Megan Gray, Dominic, Rosemary, Adaline, and Vincent Alfieri; and his great-grandchildren: Kennedee, Esme, Kai, Sol, Kanin, Mila, Jamir, Konnor, Klay, Emery, Grayson, and Myles. He is also survived by his dearly loved siblings: John (Nancy) Maynard, June (Joseph) Pierce, and Emmanuel "Dean" Maynard. He was predeceased by his wife, Valerie; his parents, John and Ruth Lee; and his siblings, Anita Dugan, Dennis Maynard, and Cliff Maynard.

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Kersey Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will follow on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, with burial immediately following at Auburndale Cemetery.

The Kersey Funeral Home is located at 108 Lake Stella Drive, Auburndale, Florida, 33823.

In honoring Terry's spirit, the family invites you to add a little joy to the world. Go play Bingo at the Lake Alfred Lions Club tonight (doors open at 4:00 PM), attend a game or event for your kid, niece, nephew or Grandbaby, share a story with a neighbor, or simply enjoy a bowl of ice cream in his memory. Bottom line bring a little joy to the world.