Gene Tunney Maynor

Born December 14, 1927, to the late James C. and Annie Pearl Maynor in Fayetteville, NC, Gene was a Native American, descending from the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina. He was named after the boxer “Gene Tunney” due to his father’s great love of boxing. Gene descended from a long line of ministers and evangelists, including his grandfather, Rev. Arthur Maynor; father, Evangelist/Rev. James Maynor; and uncles, Rev. Millard Maynor and Rev. Willie Maynor.

After completing the 8th grade, Gene went to work and purchased his first car at the age of 14, and moved to Jacksonville, FL with his parents at the age of 16. He served as a paratrooper in the Army in World War II in the 11th Airborne stationed in Japan and his patriotism continued throughout his life. Gene went on to marry the love of his life, the former Lena Bailey, in 1953. He retired from CSX Transportation in 1997 after 51 years of impeccable service.

Gene was known to many as a quiet, good-natured man. His hobbies included his love of automobiles, jogging, boxing, NASCAR, politics, watching football and was a fan of the Florida Gators and Jacksonville Jaguars. Gene attended Old Plank Road Baptist Church and was a faithful viewer of Joel O’Steen Ministries and First Baptist Church of Jacksonville for many years.

Gene was predeceased by his devoted wife, Lena, in 1995 after 42 years of marriage.

He leaves to mourn his passing a daughter, Terry Marie Maynor Avant, and granddaughter, Cara Lena Avant.

A visit with family and friends will be held at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 729 Edgewood Avenue on April 8, 2015, from 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Old Plank Road Baptist Church, Pastor Larry McGinley officiating on April 9, 2015, at 11:00 am with interment following in Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northeast Florida Alzheimer’s Association.

A special thanks to St. Catherine’s Laboure’ Manor, Northeast Florida Community Hospice and St. Vincent’s Hospice for his care.