John Engler Zeliff Iii

After living for many years with challenges resulting from a severe stroke, John began his final journey home, May 12, 2024. John was born a free spirit to Dr. John E. and Rachel G. Zeliff in Spartanburg, SC, on November 14, 1950. Throughout his lifetime, he thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, spending many hours on the family property in SC, camping, and hiking. His free spirit led him to hitchhike to Oregon, participate in the Vietnam anti-war demonstrations in Washington D.C., personally build his own home, and live his life on his own terms, rather than adhering to conventional norms. His generous nature allowed him to impact so many of those around him. He received his BA in Political Science from NCSU in 1972, and his law degree from Wake Forest University in 1975. His passions were cooking, family, and woodworking, specializing in historical renovations. He lived most of his life in Greensboro, NC, putting his children and his work first, while never forgetting his SC heritage. John is predeceased by his parents, as well as his sister, Cynthia Jean Zeliff. He is survived by his children, Dawn Zeliff, Karyh Maturino (Jorge) and Leary Troy (Jenny), 6 grandchildren, as well as his brother Robert (Gale) and family. Please join us for a celebration of life memorial service May 28th, 2024, from 6:30-8pm. The celebration will take place at 204 S. Westgate Drive in Greensboro, NC.