John Maybank Obituary

John Frampton Maybank CHARLESTON - John Frampton Maybank died October 31, 2013, at age 68, after a life of giving generously to family, friends, business associates and the community. John was born July 27, 1945, in Charleston, South Carolina, to David Maybank and Marion Taber Maybank. He graduated from the Gaud School for Boys, earned a BA degree from Tulane University, and then served in the U.S. Army with the 8th Special Forces Group (Abn), known as the Green Berets. He was stationed in the Panama Canal Zone and completed extremely rigorous courses in scuba diving and paratrooping. The mental and physical discipline of this training and experience influenced his vigorous approach to fitness and to setting and achieving challenging goals. In every area of his life, John was known to strive for the harder right over the easier wrong. After his military service, John moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where he launched two successful, lifelong commitments. He met Kay McCracken, and they married in 1972 and began what would be a 41-year marriage and true partnership. He also launched his career in financial services with a position as branch manager at South Carolina National Bank. To take the next step in building his career, he earned an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, then moved to Atlanta where he became a certified public accountant and joined Arthur Andersen. Upon returning to Charleston to be closer to his family, John joined the firm of Schleeter Munson & DeBacker as an accountant. He later started his own accounting practice and became an assistant professor at The Citadel School of Business. In 1981, he began his work with the Robinson Humphrey Company investment firm, where he developed a practice that specialized in consulting to foundations, endowments and individuals. John became one of the most highly regarded financial advisors in South Carolina. At the time of his retirement in 2012, the firm had become part of Morgan Stanley and he was Senior Vice President and Financial Consultant. In business, John earned a reputation for being straightforward and extremely thorough, always guiding clients to decisions that were in their best interest. People trusted his integrity and honesty. John applied his financial acumen to the greater good through his service on the boards of community organizations, including the Charleston Symphony Orchestra; the Coastal Carolina Community Foundation, where he served as chairman; Gibbes Museum of Art; Historic Charleston Foundation; Magnolia Cemetery; and the Porter-Gaud School, which honored him with their 1998 Distinguished Alumni Award. John was a member of Grace Episcopal Church. He was a Rotarian and a member of the Agricultural Society, Carolina Yacht Club, Country Club of Charleston, St. Andrews Society, St. Cecilia Society, South Carolina Society, Yeamans Hall Club and outside of Charleston, The Centurion Society in Columbia, South Carolina, and a Mardi Gras organization and The Boston Club in New Orleans, Louisiana . As an outdoorsman, John enjoyed hunting as a way of bringing friends and families together at property on the Ashepoo River. He carried on the traditions passed down from this father as the host of lowcountry, dog-drive, deer hunts. Always holding himself accountable in the most exacting way, John meticulously prepared for the hunts, walking the woods, even with a measuring wheel, to confirm safe distances between deer stands, and then making sure everyone was present for his safety lecture. John was often seen running on the Battery, part of his morning exercise regimen. He clocked and recorded his time, striving to make his personal best even better. He brought the same intensity and competitive spirit to golf. He was analytical about perfecting his shots and always pursued the goal of beating his oldest friend, Tommy Ford, at the game. John had an enormous intellectual curiosity and was an avid reader. He was an English major who loved great literature and also read broadly about history, science, theology, philosophy and politics, willing to tackle the most challenging tome. He distilled what he learned from his reading, mentors, and life experience into positive life disciplines that he readily shared in lively conversation. His passion inspired people, whether they agreed or disagreed, to think critically as he did. He approached his role as husband and father with intense loyalty and love. He encouraged his daughter Marion, as he encouraged others, to follow her passion in life and was so proud that she became an accomplished equestrian with the entrepreneurial spirit to transform her passion into a career. John is survived by his wife, Katherine (Kay) McCracken Maybank; daughter, Marion P. Maybank of Lexington, KY; sister, Derrill M. Hagood (Ben) of Charleston, SC; a brother, David Maybank, Jr. (Louise) of Charleston, SC; and seven nephews and their families. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, 756 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston, SC 29407 or to the John F. Maybank Fund at the Coastal Community Foundation, 635 Rutledge Avenue, Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29403. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. in Grace Episcopal Church, 98 Wentworth Street, followed by interment at Magnolia Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at their residence. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC, DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston