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Joseph Raymond “Jody” Slocum, of Cordele, Georgia, passed away October 10, 2019 at the age of 70. Jody was born July 7, 1949 in Valdosta to the late Joseph “Joe” and Pauline “Polly” Peacock Slocum. He graduated from Valdosta High School and studied at Mercer University and Valdosta State College, earning a B.S. degree in History from VSC, followed by a Juris Doctorate (JD) degree from John Marshall Law School. While in law school, he was also employed by the Georgia Department of Labor.

Jody was the owner and founder of Slocum Industrial Equipment. SIE, Inc. is in its 30th year as the exclusive Southeastern distributor for Goff, Inc., a global leader in the manufacturing of quality shot blast equipment and peening systems. He was a natural and gifted salesman of the highest caliber and integrity. He valued relationships and loved to laugh with customers, coworkers, and friends. He remembered names and never met a stranger; once he learned something about you he was eager to discuss it with you. He was truly one of a kind. A tenacious force for good – he sought the best for those around him. He enjoyed sharing his opinion and testing yours to determine its validity – politely, like the gentleman he was. Jody was a lifelong learner – one of the smartest people we know – he loved God’s Word, the Wall Street Journal and Fox News (not necessarily in that order?). He was fascinated by business and politics – the process, the personalities, the impact decisions make on people’s lives – he worked to make a positive impact in these fields and he succeeded. He also served as President of the Lake Blackshear Homeowner’s Association.

Growing up with two brothers, the three boys loved to be outdoors together – fishing, golf, tennis (although his brothers didn’t allow him to keep score – apparently he had a bad memory and poor eyesight when it came to scorekeeping). Jody’s hobbies are too numerous to list – he loved being on the water, experimenting with new items on the grill, spending time with his long list of family and friends. He enjoyed woodworking and spent hours in his shop – he dubbed it the “skunkworks” – making items for his house and for his grateful children. He had a great sense of humor and loved to tell stories. Jody loved all kinds of music – from classic rock to current pop to hymns. His family has fond memories of driving to church with the tunes of Eric Clapton and the Oak Ridge Boys (“Elvira”) echoing through the car. He loved to sing sweet songs to his children and grandchildren: “Oh My Darling, Clementine;” “You are so beautiful, such a sight to see, you are the one for me.”

Jody believed our job as Christians was to do the work of the Lord here on earth – whatever was needed. He believed in the vitally important work that missionaries and church staff do and supported it however he could. 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us that God “loves a cheerful giver” and that’s such an apt description of Jody – his generosity extended to his family, friends, and others in need. Faithful and consistent, he made church attendance a priority and looked forward to being among his brothers and sisters in Christ – he loved the congregations at Westside in Snellville and Pinecrest in Cordele. As a member of Pinecrest, he taught the Pioneer Sunday School Class and served as a deacon and an usher (“money counter”). The words of Matthew 25:23 exemplify how he lived: “well done, good and faithful servant. . . enter into the joy of your lord.”

Jody was strong as steel, and yet sweet and affectionate – truly great hugs and a firm handshake. He loved to hold hands with his wife and girls; his children were genuinely horrified at the number of times they caught him kissing Mom in the kitchen. Jody believed in being a faithful parent – he continued to parent long after “his girls” had become adults. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Harvest reaped, Dad. Our fields are white with harvest and we know it’s because of the firm foundation and rich legacy you established for us. One of the main gifts he gave is the shining example he showed in his love for and devotion to our Mom.

Jody (Daddy, Pa) is our hero – his fight these past weeks has truly revealed the depth of his strength and courage. He strived to do his best and succeeded – the best Dad, the best Grandfather, the best husband, the best friend. The words of 3 John 14 are apt: “I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.” We know he will – picturing the group that surrounds Jesus to greet Jody is one of the things that has gotten us through this past week. We love you, Pa.

Jody is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Beth Powell Slocum; his three daughters and three sons-in-law: Kathi and Bryan Gaps of Cataula, Amy and John Goode of Peachtree Corners, Becky and Eric Mason of San Diego, CA; six grandchildren, Judymarie and Madelyn Gaps, Jackson and Zoe Goode, Abigail and Silas Mason; his brother, Scott Slocum of Valdosta; his sisters-in-law and his brothers-in-law, Kay Slocum of Cordele, Jay and Deidra Powell of Valdosta, and Tim and Lisa McEachern of Birmingham, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law, A.J. and Mary Powell, as well as his brother, Jeff Slocum, and sisters-in-law, Connie Slocum and Carole Powell.

Funeral services were held Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Pinecrest Baptist Church with Rev. David Grantham and Rev. Ben Lehmann officiating. A private family interment with Rev. Don Howell officiating was held at a separate time.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes, 9250 Hutchesons Ferry Rd, Palmetto, GA 30268 or Pinecrest Childcare Center, 1001 E 19th Ave, Cordele, GA 31015. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.purvisfh.com. Maxwell-Purvis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.