Johnnie Lee Maynor Sr.'s Obituary
Johnnie Lee Maynor, a true legend, was born on June 4, 1932, in Canton, Mississippi.
As a child, he loved horses, and at 10 years old, he got his first horse, a gift from his granddad.
He rode that horse alone for approximately 10 miles each day, down the long Richton Road in Canton, to retrieve the family mail from the mailbox. He referred to the horse as "Stick horse." We thought that was the horse's name, but later learned it was literally "a wooden stick horse." He explained that he "ran" daily, in a galloping manner, with that stick horse for miles to the mailbox. His grandfather had promised him a real horse and made plans to purchase it but died before he made the final payment.
Upon his grandfather's death, his family refused to remain as sharecroppers on land they would never own. They relocated to Rankin County, living on land later developed into the Ross Barnett Reservoir and surviving Mississippi's dark history, which so many are seeking to erase today.
At about 15 years old, Johnnie Lee, as he was called, used those earlier running skills acquired with that "stick horse" to sprint across the fields that extended behind Mt. Hood Baptist Church on Pinehaven Road in Clinton, Mississippi each day, a place where area kids often played baseball. It was there that he met Doris Lyonnette Lovett, a girl he described as the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Not caring much for baseball, but knowing she was positioned at third base, he would always try to make it at least to third base, trying to get her attention. He eventually did, and they married 75 years ago. The Maynor family began.
To this union, six children were born: Valadia, Johnny, Jr., Lyonnette, Lillie, Mercedes, and Lamone. Another child, Odell Carter, now deceased, was born from a previous relationship. Together, Johnnie and Doris taught their children to always be proud of their heritage, to walk tall with their heads held high, and to never say "I Can't!"
They instilled in their children the importance of getting an education and the value of working hard to fulfill their dreams. Oftentimes, with his children and/or grandchildren, he would travel from Mississippi to Illinois and to many other states, even making a visit to the White House in the nation's capital, where his name is now inscribed in the National Register. During those travels, he made sure to point out the cotton fields as he shared history lessons. He also shared stories of the times when he and his wife were not allowed to attend desegregated schools, vote, or even enter gas stations or restaurants unless through the back door.
It was because of his resilience that he never gave up on his dreams. He was a businessman who owned a restaurant known for serving the best fried fish in a Jackson, Mississippi community. After working for many Mississippi companies, he retired after 40 years as a long-distance truck driver with Stuart C. Irby Electrical Company, where he traveled throughout the United States. During his stops, he mentored many young people, sharing his work ethic and even providing guidance for better management skills to those company owners who would listen.
One day, not only did he get a real horse, he owned Maynor Farm, where he owned, trained, and bred many successful Standardbred horses, later receiving numerous awards for some of the best pacers and trotters in the United States. He earned his licensing credentials to compete, and with his wife, he traveled and competed throughout the United States.
Then, in 2001, with real horses, they made history for being the first Mississippians to own the "winningest 2-year-old filly in North America." That real horse was named "H.J. Missy."
Not only was Johnnie Lee known for his breed of horses, but he was also a true outdoorsman. He was a member of the United States Trotting Association and the Tennessee Sportsman Club. For many years, he owned top sporting dogs and won many Sportsman awards.
At 93, the oldest member of Mt. Hood Baptist Church, he continued to thrive, vote in elections, and be a role model for his children, grandchildren, and so many others. He treasured his beautiful wife and enjoyed preparing and sharing "healthy meals" with her daily, where they sat happily and discussed the outstanding accomplishments of each of their children and grandchildren.
Until very recently, Johnnie Lee was often seen on their property riding his tractor, four-wheeler, or just taking walks to his barn to see his remaining Standardbred horse, Nick, along with his furry pets, Snow, Candace, and Angel, or perhaps standing to take time to share life lessons with any one of the many grandchildren (19), great-grandchildren (26), or great-great-grandchildren (6) who often visited, which he thoroughly enjoyed
He even had a valid Real ID driver's license obtained in December 2025!
With his wife, Doris, always by his side, Johnnie Lee Maynor, a God-loving man, is a legend who proved dreams can become reality.
What’s your fondest memory of Johnnie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Johnnie?
Share a story where Johnnie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Johnnie you’ll never forget.
How did Johnnie make you smile?
