On Friday, March 8, 2024, O. Jerry Maynard, MD, father of four children and grandfather of three, passed away peacefully at the age of 88. He is survived by his children, Joe, Rachel (Dom), Ben, and Louisa; his grandchildren, Nathan, Summer, and Tommy; his sister, Doris; and nieces and nephews. Odis Jerry Maynard was born in West Tennessee to Isaac and Tommie Maynard, and was the first of six children. He later moved with his family to Chicago during grade school. Through music lessons at The Salvation Army, he was introduced to the trumpet. He later studied at Chicago School of Music and became a gifted musician.
At a young age, he was honored to play Taps at military funerals and to play his trumpet in local parades. His love of music, especially the trumpet, remained a constant in his life. He was recognized at his high school as a stellar student for his academics, leadership, and musical talents. Jerry's admiration for his childhood family doctor, Dr. Cisneros, spurred his goal to become a physician, a career and a calling he treasured.
As a young man, he proudly served in Korea as a medic in the US Army. Upon returning, he completed his undergraduate studies, then entered Loma Linda University School of Medicine. After medical school, he completed additional training in acupuncture in San Francisco before returning to Tennessee. Dr. Maynard was a beloved family physician in Nashville for decades. He was ahead of his time, bringing acupuncture to Tennessee long before it became mainstream. In his very busy private practice, he served his community with compassion…from those who could only pay with vegetables from their garden, to country music legends. He also enjoyed being the doctor on call for Tennessee School for the Blind as well as guests and performers of the Grand Ole Opry, Opryland, and Opryland Hotel.
His love of animals was well-known and continued throughout his life. He never met a stray dog he didn’t love, take in, and nurture. His family jokes that his favorite children were his beloved dogs. A voracious reader, he spent endless hours in his favorite chair with a dog (or dogs) lounging faithfully at his feet. He was known for his mischievous sense of humor and infectious, distinctive laugh. He was the guy in the theatre everyone craned their neck to find, wondering who was laughing so loudly, at such a unique pitch, and so often. His laugh will be missed by many, but certainly not forgotten.
According to his wishes, Jerry will be interred at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Nashville. His family will hold a private graveside ceremony. Joe Maynard will be hosting an informal reception for those who would like to gather and celebrate Jerry’s life. Please email maynard_joe@hotmail.com for details and type “Jerry Maynard” in the subject line. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in Jerry's honor to The Salvation Army, Nashville Humane Association, or Nashville Symphony.
