Maynard Harold Douglas, age 72, of Marianna, Fla., passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023.
Maynard was born on August 18, 1951 in Ocala, Fla. to Corinne and James “Harold” Douglas. He was raised in Marion County and farmed with his father and grandfather until he moved to Gainesville, Fla. to attend the University of Florida. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in agricultural engineering, he moved to Marianna to help establish “Douglas Farms” with his father. Here, he met his wife, Lisa, and they married in 1978. Soon after, Maynard took over the farm operation and worked in the agricultural industry for more than 30 years. The Douglas family was named Jackson County Farm Family of the Year in 2002.
In 2007, Maynard accepted a position with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services branch in Quincy, Fla. He served as Farm Operations Lead for the row crop program. He brought a unique combination of commercial farming experience and agricultural engineering expertise to the research program at the center. He designed, implemented and oversaw numerous research studies during his career. This led to many advances in Florida agriculture and workable solutions for Florida farmers. His abilities to balance practical realities in the field with research objectives were unmatched. Maynard was an innovator and could draw, design, build and improvise, almost effortlessly. He was passionate about solving problems and was always up for a new challenge. He loved the people that he worked with and enjoyed the opportunity to mentor young farmers at the research center.
Maynard loved the Lord, his family (including his beloved dog, Baylee) and his friends. He enjoyed saltwater fishing and being on the farm, tending to his pecan trees and riding around, looking for wildlife. He will be forever remembered for his kind heart and dry sense of humor and will be missed so much.
Maynard was preceded in death by his parents, Corinne and James Harold Douglas, his paternal grandparents, Ruby and Major Leon Douglas, and his maternal grandparents Vera and Russell Hewitt.
He is survived by his wife of more than 45 years, Lisa Douglas; daughter, Kristin Douglas and fiancé, Francis Hinson, of Southport, Fla.; daughter, Tanya McCormick and husband, Dan, of Jacksonville, Fla.; and three grandchildren: Jameson, Courtney and Major.
A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. CST on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the Marianna Chapel Funeral Home in Marianna, Fla. with Rev. Rebecca Rutherford of the First United Methodist Church of Marianna officiating. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 9:30am.
Condolences may be made online at www.mariannachapelfh.com.
