Ralph "Maynard" Eilers

Ralph Maynard Eilers, 73, of Jacksonville passed away after a long illness February 24, 2018. He was born on March 25, 1944, the only child of Ralph Meinhardt and Sophia Claire (Isler) Eilers, in Washington, DC where he grew up. He graduated from The Sidwell Friends School in 1961. Following his graduation from Tulane University in 1965, he attended law school at the University of Oklahoma for two years. In 1967, Maynard went to work as a sports writer with the Houma Courier in Houma, Louisiana, and in 1969, he moved to Jacksonville to work for the Florida Times-Union. He eventually became Sports Editor and, later, Features Editor for the Times-Union. He continued to work in publishing until his retirement in 1988. He was a member of St. Marks Episcopal Church and Timuquana Country Club. Maynards greatest loves were his family, his friends, golf and traveling. His main claims to fame were his unfailingly positive attitude and his gourmet cooking. He loved to laugh and to visit and never passed up an opportunity to be with friends and family. He often described himself as a "lucky man." He was a good, kind, loving father, grandfather, husband and friend, and he will be missed. Maynard is survived by his wife of 35 years, Gail Glisson Eilers; daughters Debbie Weise (Michael) of Jacksonville, Heather Reynolds of Middleburg and Robin Whetstone (Ben) of High Shoals, Georgia. Also left behind are his grandchildren Gretchen, Dalton, Sadie, Merrill and Jack along with his sister in-law and her husband, Janice and Tim Wilder of Keystone Heights, and many wonderful friends and extended family members. Memorial services for Maynard will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 2, 2018 at St. Marks Episcopal Church, 4129 Oxford Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32210. A private interment will follow at a later date for immediate family. In lieu of flowers please make donations to your favorite charity. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 340 E. WALKER DR. KEYSTONE HEIGHTS, FL 32656. 352-473-3176.www.jonesgallagherfh.com Cemetery Gadara Cemetery 4835 Gadara Road Keystone Heights FL 32656 US Memorial Service Friday, March 2, 2018 11:00 AM - St. Mark's Episcopal Church 4129 Oxford Ave. Jacksonville FL 32210 US Funeral Home Jones - Gallagher Funeral Home - Keystone Heights 340 East Walker Drive Keystone Heights FL - 32656 US (352) 473-3176