Jack Zollars

December 5, 2020

Jack Lee Zollars, Sr., 84, of Suffolk, VA passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by the love of family on Saturday, December 05, 2020. Born in Connellsville, PA, Jack was one of eighteen children born to Carl A. and Mabel Vivian Murphy Zollars. At the age of sixteen, he started working for the railroad following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Jack’s career spanned forty-one years and was responsible for the relocation of his family from Pennsylvania to Virginia. His early railroad years were spent with the Pennsylvania and West Virginia in the Pittsburgh area. Over the years he witnessed many mergers and acquisitions prior to retiring from Norfolk Southern in Virginia in 1993. From time to time, especially early on, the railroad experienced downturns and lay-offs were prevalent. It was during these times that Jack explored other opportunities. He was incredibly proud to have spent some of these years as a boiler tender in the United States Navy aboard the USS Ammen. Over the years Jack had also worked for the Castle Shannon Police Department and the borough, which he had enjoyed very much. Jack loved people. He never met a stranger, only new friends to swap stories with. In 1976 Jack joined the Loyal Order of Moose Portsmouth Lodge 898 and loved to visit other lodges over his nearly fifty years of membership. He was also a lifetime member of the Catholic Club in Portsmouth and was influential in starting the Western Branch Athletic Club. Jack was incredibly dedicated to his family and there was nothing that he would not do for the ones that he loved. He leaves an amazing legacy and shoes far too large to ever fill. Jack is survived by his children, James Zollars, Bernadette (John) McGrath, Jack (Robin) Zollars, Jr., Andrew (Lilian) Zollars and Timothy (Theresa) Zollars; stepsons, Robert Ingram and Billy (Sharon) Ingram; siblings, Evelyn (Jerry) McConnell, Bonnie Inskipt, Judy (Dave) Tennyson, Nancy Scott, Marilyn Scheers, Patricia Wauthier, Donna Dunn, Kathy (Gary) Bushmire, Carol (Warren) Everingham and Terry (Debbie) Zollars; grandchildren, Joan, Andrew, Amber, J. Lee, III, Geoffrey, Becca, Heather, Destinee, Adrienne, Ricky, Brandon, Joshua, Taylor, Lucius, Timothy, Vivian, Tyler, Allan, Charlotte and Sammi; great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Tara, Bailey, Conner, Ni’tavia, Alicia, Corey, Abigale, Mia, Macie, Melina, Joshua, Jr., and Bella; nieces and nephews too numerous to list, but loved beyond measure; and a host of friends and extended family members. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Honeycutt Zollars; son, Carl Zollars; siblings, Jerry Zollars, Ronald Zollars, Sandra Zollars, William Zollars, Robert Zollars, Karen Zollars and Deborah Zollars; grandchildren, Kristopher Kress and Kayden Kress; great-granddaughter, Brandi Bowe; and many friends and loved ones. Due to current regulations regarding COVID-19, funeral services will be held privately. Jack will be laid to rest beside Doris at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery where military honors will be rendered. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Mooseheart or Moosehaven, in care of Moose Charities, Inc., 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart, IL, 60539-1100. Friends and loved ones are welcome at the family home on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 beginning at 4:00 PM.