Serving Barnwell County and its neighbors since 1852
BARNWELL - Jerry Lott Bodiford, “Big” to family and close friends, 84, of Barnwell, S.C. passed away peacefully at his home on August 14, 2026.
Born in Blackville, S.C., Jerry was the firstborn son of Audrey and Audrey Lott Bodiford. Upon graduating from Blackville High School in 1960, Jerry began his career in telecommunications with Southern Bell Telephone Company. His employment continued with the telephone company through its many merges until his retirement in 2000. Upon retiring from the telephone company, Jerry established his own telecommunication company, Bodiford Services, where he provided services for schools and hospitals throughout the state of South Carolina. The highlight of his career was his employment with Augusta National Country Club during the Masters Golf Tournaments from 2000 until 2020.
Jerry was a leader, a role model, and faced life’s challenges with the motto, “just an opportunity”. Most importantly, he was a Christian and a longtime member of Mt. Lebanon Christian Church where he served as a deacon for 60 years. Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, fishing, and barbequing. He is remembered for his infamous Big’s BBQ Sauce.
Jerry leaves behind his loving wife of 63 years, Vera Sanders Bodiford ; daughter, Robin (Gary) Brantley; son, Audrey Jo “Jody” (Redeena) Bodiford; granddaughter, Mattison Brantley (Tyler) Baum; grandsons, Audrey Wayne (Olivia Mock) Bodiford, Jacob (Taylor Akin) Bodiford, Joseph (Kansas) Bodiford; great-granddaughters, Audrey Vera “Ava” Baum and the expectant Kizzy Jo Bodiford; two sisters, Jane Bodiford Fore of Easley, S.C., Terri Bodiford (Mark) Bolton of Aiken, S.C. ; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and his very best friend, Thomas Boulware “Uncle Buddy” of Barnwell, S.C.. Jerry is predeceased by his parents and brother, Donald Barry Bodiford.
The family would like to recognize and extend a heartfelt thank you to Amber Brown, Justin Folk, Dusty Williams (cousin), Morris Williams (cousin), the staff at Anchor Rehabilitation Center and Gentiva Hospice.
A celebration of life is planned at Mt. Lebanon Christian Church on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 with visitation at 10 o’clock in the morning and the funeral at 11 o’clock, with Rev. Ron Franklin, Rev. Larry Hutto, and Preacher Thomas Terry officiating.
Memorials made be made to Mt. Lebanon Christian Church, P.O. Box 268, Barnwell, S.C. 29812 and/or The Blackville Cemetery Fund, P. O. Box 365, Blackville, S.C. 29817.
Mole Funeral Home of Barnwell is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit the online registry at www.molefh.com.
