James Raymond (J.R.) Wasdin Jr.

Oliver – James Raymond “J.R.” Wasdin, Jr., age 94, passed away at his home Saturday morning surrounded by family and friends and welcomed home by his God. He was a native of Charlton County, GA and was born to the late James R., Sr. and Safronia Crews Wasdin. He was the oldest member and active deacon of Little Ogeechee Baptist Church and a member of the “Have Mercy” Choir. He was a graduate of George Washington University and a 28 year veteran of the U.S. Navy where he was a Lt. Commander. His years in the Navy included action in the Japanese/China conflict, WWII and Korean War. In WWII he took a major part in the secret plan for the invasion of Sicily and was part of an escort unit for Franklin D. Roosevelt. During the Cold War, he commanded a secret mission through the uncharted waters of the Artic. After retiring from the Navy in 1963, he moved his family to Oliver and opened Wasdin’s Grocery in 1965 and ran it for 32 years. He was active in the Screven County Booster Club and a huge fan of the Gamecocks. He was preceded in death by his beloved Wives: Alma Louise Carter Wasdin and Bandy Rumbley Wasdin; and Sons: James Ray Wasdin and Roger E. Wasdin.

He is survived by his Daughters and Sons-In-Law: Rhonda L. Wasdin and Tina M. & Rodney Brooks, all of Oliver, Deborah McGath and Jackie “Pest” & David Coker, all of Lake Jackson, TX, Lynn Wasdin of Vero Beach, FL; Children of his heart: Jimmy & Debra Ousley and Jerry & Lorreta Ousley; One sister: Deloris Cannon of Dublin; 14 Grandchildren and 10 Great-Grandchildren; Several Nieces and Nephews.

Visitation: Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at Little Ogeechee Baptist Church in Oliver.

Funeral Service: Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Little Ogeechee Baptist Church with Rev. Vernon Edenfield and Rev. Eric Cooper officiating. Burial at Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, SC, with full military honors.

Pallbearers: Herbert Holland, Jimmy Roberts, Don Sheffield, Jeremy Parrish, James Parrish, Joey Carmen, Raymond Suder and Nate Stroup. Honorary Pallbearers: “Have Mercy” Choir of Little Ogeechee Baptist Church and Senior Sunday School Class, Bennie Foote, Justine & Willie Brown, Jimmy Ondriezek and Brian Bohannon.

In Lieu of Flowers: Tina W. Brooks Emergency Fund, c/o Little Ogeechee Baptist Church, P.O. Box 412, Oliver, GA 30449.

Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements. www.thompsonstricklandwaters.com.