Colonel Maynard Caudill

March 27, 1939 – June 24, 2025

Colonel Maynard Caudill, 86 of Cary, North Carolina, peacefully passed away at his home on Tuesday, June 24th. Maynard was born March 27, 1939, in Alleghany County, North Carolina, the first child of James Ray and Pauline Walker Caudill. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved sister Wanda, his youngest brother Kenneth and his nephew, Bo Nichols.

Maynard is survived by the love of his life and wife of 60 years, Shirley; sons: Neal (Joy) Cooper of Raleigh, and Scott Caudill of Cary; sister-in-law who was like a daughter: Janet Nichols (Bill) of Raleigh; three beloved grandchildren: Wil Pipkin, Brooke Pipkin, and Lizzie Cooper; brother: Tony (Sheila) Caudill, and nephew Jamie Caudill of Fletcher, North Carolina; as well as dear aunts and cousins along with many friends across the state.

Maynard grew up in a humble farming family that instilled hard work and deep faith. His family were gospel singers and would travel from church to church singing hymns. His beautiful voice will forever be treasured in our hearts. After high school graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in California and North Africa. Upon completion of five years of service, he drove tractor trailers coast to coast. He began to date Shirley and they married in 1965. He joined the North Carolina Highway Patrol, and they moved to Asheville, North Carolina where he began his career that transversed the state with the Highway Patrol. Their son, Scott Maynard, was born while the family was stationed in Asheville in 1970. Maynard received several accommodations and awards while serving as a trooper and Governor Robert (Bob) Scott presented the highest honor to Maynard by bestowing upon him the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. His faith and commitment to the Lord was evident in how he lived his daily life. After retirement from the patrol in 1993, Maynard, Shirley and Scott started a trucking company, North State Express. From his experience on the farm and in the air force, Maynard became a gifted mechanic. He found great joy working on the company trucks, as well as being the family and office handyman. Through his dedicated hard work, leadership and guidance, the business flourished and continues under the leadership of both of his sons after 32 years.

The family would like to thank his care-taker, Renee Mason, UNC Rex Rehabilitation in Apex, and Transitions Hospice for the care they provided over the past year.

Visitation will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, NC on Sunday, June 29th at 5 pm with a celebration of life service following at 6 pm. A graveside service and burial will be held at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Laurel Springs, NC at 2 pm on Tuesday July 1st.

Donations may be made in Maynard's honor to New Hope Missionary Baptist Church,

P. O. Box 942, Sparta, North Carolina 28675.

Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Caudill family.