Zollie Sircy

In loving memory of Walter Zollie Sircy, Jr., 83, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, went to his true home in Heaven on December 10, 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lavona and Walter Zollie Sircy, Sr. Zollie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anita McCauley Sircy, three children, Jennifer Sircy Bresnahan (Barry), Walter Zollie "Tripper" Sircy, III (Shannon Draper), and Christopher Dixon Sircy (Kyle). 

Grandchildren: McCauley Kane (Matt Lassiter), Stone Collins, Park Downey, Brooks Cassetty, and Raymund Davis Bresnahan, Grant Carlson Sircy, Liza Ellenor and Mia Gabrielle Sircy. Great grandchildren: Carson Kate Swinea and Myles Claire Lassiter.

Zollie was born on September 22, 1940, in Gainesboro, Tennessee. He moved to Old Hickory in the 7th grade in 1953 and attended DuPont School until he graduated high school in 1958. He was athletic, playing all sports, but football was his true passion. He was once written up in the Tennessean as a “Midget Muscle Man" while playing for the Old Hickory Pups in 1954.

After high school he attended Columbia Military Academy in Columbia, Tennessee. That year, 1958, the football team, along with his longtime friends, George Dykes, Larry Denney, and Bill Settle, went undefeated. At the end of the season, he earned a football scholarship to Georgia Tech playing under the great Bobby Dodd and became one of "Dodd's boys".

At Georgia Tech, Zollie played in three major bowl games: Gator Bowl in 1960, Gator Bowl in 1961, and Bluebonnet Bowl in 1962. One of the fondest memories while at Georgia Tech was beating Alabama 7-6 in 1962. The field was stormed, and the goal post came down. What a victory for the Jackets!

He married his grade school sweetheart, Anita, in August 1963. After graduation, Zollie's first job with 3M Company took them to New Orleans where Jenny and Tripper were born. They returned to Tennessee in 1968, settling in Hendersonville, where Christopher was later born. As the boys got older, they were very involved in Civitan Football at Drakes Creek Park, where Zollie coached both their teams until junior high. 

His career choices always revolved around football. He began with reconditioning high school football equipment in Tennessee. Eventually he settled on making chin straps for football and lacrosse helmets.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and Poe William's Sunday School class. Along with the lesson, a lot of football talk and pranks took place there.

There were so many wonderful memories made at Georgia Tech, football games, travel and just being with friends. After 60+ years of being together, we still consider our GT friends our family. Thank you for all your love and support through Zollie's illness. You have been our rock. GO JACKETS!!!

Thank you to all our precious friends in Hendersonville. You have been with us during this whole process. It's not easy losing your best friend but I know I'll see him again.

Active Pallbearers: Tripper Sircy, Christopher Sircy, Barry Bresnahan, Stone Bresnahan, Park Bresnahan, Brooks Bresnahan, Ray Bresnahan, Grant Sircy, Matt Lassiter. Honorary Pallbearers: Poe William's Sunday School Class. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville, 217 East Main Street or to your favorite charity. 

Visitation with the family will be in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church in Hendersonville on Monday, December 18 from 5:00-8:00. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, December 19th at 2:00 with visitation before from 12:00-2:00.

To view the video of remembrance: Zollie Sircy.mp4 (dropbox.com)

To view the service: Zollie Sircy 12.19.2023.mp4 (dropbox.com)