Child’s Funeral Home | Clinton, SC

Obituary For Zachary Taylor Stoddard

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 joined Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, forging everlasting relationships and memories.

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.

Guest Book

My prayers to family.my I will miss seeing Zacharys friendly face on campus and at games.never a dull moment.and I'm so glad I got to meet him.God bless.

- na

EARTH HAS NO SORROW THAT HEAVEN CAN NOT HEAL REVELATION 21:4, OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.. I LOVE YOU'LL VERY MUCH.. EDWARD AND SUSIE YOUNG

- na

Zachary was so full of life at all times and a complete JOY to his family and friends. Our prayer is that God will continue to give his family and all of us peace, strength and comfort as we continue on our journey without Zach here with us. Even though he is not physically here, we will carry him in our hearts. "To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." II Corinthians 5:8. "We love you Cuz, always have, always will." - Cousins Michael & Cynthia Stoddard

- na

I only met Zach a few times in my life but he made a lasting impression. He served as a groomsman at my sons wedding New Year's Eve 2018 and was so kind and helpful and was the life of the party booging down on the dance floor! I followed him on Facebook and was amazed at his compassion and positive messages to ALL people. I loved his upbeat and encouraging attitude. He was truly an inspiration to us all! He made me believe that Angel's really do walk this earth! My sincere condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed but the legacy he left will live on forever! Love Debbie Johnston

- na

Praying for you in this time

- na

It is so heart breaking that Zach was taken from us so soon. He was a light that this world is absolutely going to miss. It’s hard to imagine such a genuine, kind hearted person like you existed and I wouldn’t have believed it if I didn’t have the pleasure of knowing him myself. I will miss him immensely. Zach was a dear friend to so many of us. I am so glad I got to see his happy face over New Years’ greetings he sent me and so many more of us, I’m sure. He never missed a holiday or birthday. He was a rare one and we will cherish him forever. I wish you well, my dear friend and I love you so much. Rest In Peace. *warm hugs*

- na

I only met Zach once in person at National Convention for KKPsi in Stillwater,OK. From then on, I knew I had a true friend forever. He was such a light in so many people's lives. I'll miss seeing his chipper Facebook posts and encouraging words he would send me almost daily. I love you bro, always have and always will. AEA brotha!

- na

We saw Zachary grow up to be such a loving caring young man- he will truly be missed!! Dear Sam, Veldon, Adrian and Maya, stay strong and supportive of each other during this difficult time. May his soul Rest In Peace The Sidhu family

- na

My prayers and condolences to the Stoddard Family. Love, Mrs. Smith

- na

I was Zacky Sup at UPS, and Words cant describe the feeling we had when Zacky showed up, He was our light in a dark place, so zacky we catch cha on the flip side

- na

To Adrian, Maya and the Stoddard family: Remembering your amazing brother and son Zachary who shared his smiles, embraced his fellow neighbor without judgement and radiated true positivity. May his altruistic and benevolent spirit live on through the many lives he has touched. I pray the Lord continues to provide you all with much strength, comfort and peace. Thank you for sharing him with us. With love, Nicole “Nikki” Holman

- na

My deepest condolences to the family of Zachary. Thank you for blessing us with an angel here on earth and giving him such a loving home and life. My heart completely breaks for you and my thoughts are with you. Zach and I attended GSU together and shared almost a decade-long friendship. We had the honor of graduating at the same time and one of my favorite memories was from graduation day. Zach saw me all the way from across the outdoor courtyard between the Georgia Dome and World Congress Center. From wayyy off in the distance, I hear, “TAYLORRRRR!”. I look up and lock eyes with Zach. He is hurrying over to me as quickly as possible, never unlocking eyes like he was on a mission! As soon as he gets to me, he gives me one of his famous tight, bear hugs and we embrace each other for awhile. And then he sees my mom and gives her one too :) This was common of Zach whenever I would see him on campus. Those hugs always made my day so much better. Whenever we saw each other both of our faces would instantly light up because we knew what followed next would be a nice, welcoming hug and a great convo catching up with a caring friend. Zach means a great deal to me, as he does to so many others. It’s touching seeing how his light spreads so wide and so far and positively impacted as many people as it has. Every person he has ever encountered has been touched by Zach’s light. And now that light lives within each of us. So let’s honor Zach in the best way possible by continuing to spread his light to others just like he did for us. Zach has shown us ..we are true witnesses.. that being kind and showing unconditional love to others GREATLY changes the world. And we need so much more of that in this world. Zach is a hero. My hero. And I will strive to be more like him everyday. To my dear friend, Zach. I miss you and I love you. Always have. Always will. You’ll forever have a friend in me. Catch you on the flip side. —Love Always, Taylor Armagost

- na

My condolences and prayers to Zach’s family.

- na

It was an extremely painful thing to find out that Zachary has passed away. I met him in college at Georgia State University and always recalled the vibrancy in his demeanor and his voice. Everything he represented in life, one could only dream to achieve. A few months ago, I had some personal issues and needed a friend. He helped me get through that challenging moment. He was so patient and kind with his words that my tears faded and I began to have higher hopes. I wish I could have grabbed coffee with him, which I planned to do the next time I visited in Georgia....I know that one day, I hope to have a cup of coffee with Zach, in paradise some day. I regret that I have been away from home and never having any moments captured on camera for me to look back on. But I am so happy that I got to enjoy your presence and compassion through long distance communication. May you Rest In Peace dear friend. I love you lots. Always have and always will. -Nafisa K.

- na

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Child’s FH