Jerry “Opie” Opdycke (12-25-14)

Jerry Wayne Opdycke was born in Memphis, on Oct. 2, 1953, to Charles and Leona Opdycke. He departed this life on Thursday, Dec. 25, at home.
Jerry spent most of his life in Hardin County. He had been a real estate appraiser and owned his own company, Superior Appraisal Services, in Savannah, for more than 20 years.
He loved UT Vols, St. Louis Cardinals baseball team, Boston Celtics, Tennessee Titans, Tennessee River, music, fishing, guns and shooting, traveling, watching the stars, but most of all, playing guitar.
After high school, Jerry studied classical guitar at Memphis State University. He had also been a member of River City Seven, playing rock and roll music all over the area for many years.
Jerry was a charter member of Savannah Lodge 2756 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (B.P.O.E.) and was a member of the Grand Lodge in Chicago, having served as district deputy for the West District of Tennessee in 1997.
He believed that one of the most wasted of all days was one in which you did not laugh out loud.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, H.E. and Ida Outlaw and Hiram and Esther Opdycke, all of Savannah, along with other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Jerry is survived by his uncle, James Outlaw of Savannah; his dear friend, Debbie Young of Bethel Springs, along with a host of friends and fellow musicians that held very special places in his heart.
In lieu of flowers, please make a memorial donation of any size to: The Hardin County Band, “The Pride,” 909 South Pickwick Road, Savannah, Tennessee 38372; Hunting for a Cure, P.O. Box 444, Savannah, Tennessee 38372; or Hardin County Cancer Society, c/o Hardin County Bank, 235 Wayne Road, Savannah, Tennessee 38372.
Time and location of a memorial service will be announced by Shackelford’s Funeral Directors.