Zachary Taylor Stoddard was born August 23rd, 1989 to Veldon and Samantha Stoddard in Tampa, Florida. He was the older brother to Adrian and Maya Stoddard. He grew up in Jonesboro, Georgia where he attended Jonesboro High School, and went on to graduate from Georgia State University with a degree in Psychology.
He was a devoted member of Jonesboro High School’s Marching Band playing the euphonium. After high school, Zach would become just as passionately active in Georgia State University’s marching band and continued to perform with them even after graduation. Zachary found immense joy and took great pride in marching band. In 2011 he helped charter the Nu Alpha chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, forging everlasting relationships and memories. In 2017, he was awarded Kappa Kappa Psi’s J. Lee Burke Outstanding Student Leadership Award.
Zachary traveled far and wide with his band fraternity or with his Amway colleagues. Catching up with him always led to learning of his latest adventures. In 2012 he performed with the GSU Marching Band at President Barack Obama’s second term inauguration, while in 2019 he performed in the Super Bowl LIII halftime show. Always taking pictures along the way, he lived his life fervently and freely. His fearless soul allowed him to go for everything in life as he exuded strength and courage through any circumstance; remaining unique and full of personality as he never allowed his Asperger’s to be an obstacle to his success.
Zach absolutely loved cartoons and WWE, while food also held a special place in his heart as well. Some of his favorites included Popeyes, Krispy Kreme, or a package of Publix cookies and chocolate milk. He possessed an incredible ability to navigate roads, or to predict the best routes to travel. He could also remember exact dates of past events with ease. He was truly the life of the party and could often be found dancing at college sporting events and weddings. GSU family will vividly remember him putting a smile on everyone’s face while dancing to “Sandstorm”.
There are not enough ways to express the impact Zach had on those he encountered. Many will tell you that he always greeted friends and strangers alike with a big hug and a smile. He gave encouragement in all times and never allowed negativity to change his unconditional love. Zachary faced adversity with great strength and knew no limitations. He was truly an angel given to us; Christ-like in being all-accepting and unmotivated in conforming to this world. He was the true example of how we all should live our lives day today.
Zachary is survived by his parents, Veldon and Samantha Stoddard, and his two younger sisters, Adrian and Maya Stoddard. Without a doubt we are comforted as he watches over us beside God saying, “I love you. Always have, always will.”
We love you, too, Zach. Always have, always will. Catch you on the flip side. **************************************************************************
The memorial service for Zachary will be Saturday at noon January 11,2020 at the Stoddard Interdenominational Church located at 3042 Georgia Rd in Gray Court, SC.
Internment will follow at Stoddard Memorial Gardens.