Octavius JL Gudger

He worked for Chevrolet and Ford Motor Companies where he learned to do bodywork and paint vehicles. In the 1970’s he began his own business JL’s Body Shop on the property of his mother. In the early 1980’s, he moved to Asheville Highway where he also built his home.

In his early years, he loved to sing and was a member of the quartet gospel group The Gospel Melody Kings. In 1983, he started the JLGudger Singers – singing from church to church in Greeneville/Greene County and evangelistic meetings. After the group was disbanded, he would take his “Boom” box on Sunday mornings and go from church to church asking to sing a song and give his testimony. He greeted many asking, “Are you preaching yet?!” He loved testifying of his love for Jesus and encouraging others to walk with his Jesus. Before leaving, he would tell the individual, “I’m going to heaven with you!”

In the 1960’s, he was given Bible studies from the McMullen family. He was encouraged to further his studies, thereby joining the Brainard Chapel Seventh-day Adventist in December of 1962 and where he was ordained an Elder. He would take a group and go from door to door passing out literature on different Bible subjects and talking with the people. He was instrumental in forming churches in Morristown and Kingsport. He retired from active ministry in 2013. He decided to become a part of the Riverview Community Seventh-day Adventist Church in Greeneville where he felt loved and at home.

JL is survived by his son: Kenneth Black (Billie Jean), daughter: Carolyn Gudger-Pierce and Michael Gudger; four grandchildren: Vincent Black, Trisch Smith, and Dameon (Katrina) Black of Maryland, Nickolas Gudger of Greeneville; three brothers: Ralph and Ronnie Gudger of Washington, DC, David Gudger (Lisa) of Kinsport; five sisters: Shirley Gudger of Maryland, Gloria Gudger of Greeneville, Shelia Golden of Washington DC, Christine Cockrell (Donzell) of Maryland, and Tonya Company of Missouri along with a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Shirley Gudger and daughter: Lolita “Teresa” Gudger; parents: Dayton and Aletta Gudger; two brothers: John and Lonnie Gudger; four sisters: Mary Brownlow, Fayetta Jones, Betty Manuel and Helen Gudger.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 17, 2021 at 12:30 pm at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home. At 2:15 pm there will be a time for those who wish to share memories of JL Gudger. The Memorial Service will follow at 3 pm with Pastor Benjamin Jones officiating. Graveside Services will be at Zion Cemetery, Baileyton.

The family requests everyone attending to please wear masks and adhere to COVID protocols. Thank you.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to the Riverview Community Seventh-day Adventist Church building fund at 410 Sanford Circle, Greeneville, Tennessee 37743.

Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com.

Kiser Rose Hill Funeral Home

125 Idletime Drive, Greeneville, TN, 37743