Mr. O. A. Denard Jr.

June 4, 1926 - April 20, 2017

Odian Adolph Denard was born 4 June 1926 in Tignall, Wilkes County, GA. He served in the US Army during World War II. He was injured on the battlefield and continued his service through 1947. He received the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Service in a combat zone, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Combat Infantry Badge and sharpshooter. He married Mary Possie Danner 7 August 1948. He worked in construction from an early age. He was employed by Pure Oil Company working in Georgia and relocated to Florida and served as an engineer for the building and fueling system at the Daytona Speedway and was at the first race in 1959 and his love of NASCAR was begun. He was cofounder of B & M Construction of Florida before founding Denard & Moore Construction Company in 1968 in Washington, GA. He was also a cofounder of Carolina B & M. He was one of the early members of the Georgia Oilman’s Association and was named honorary member. He served as a Director of The Washington Loan & Banking Company and The First Union Bank, both here in Washington. He was a Past Master of the Port Tampa #153 Masonic Lodge where he has been a member for over 50 years and a long time member of the Shriners. Mr. Denard was the son of the late Odian Adolph and Amanda Mae Matthews Denard and was proceeded in death by his wife of 52 years Mary Possie Danner , daughter Possie Ann and grandson Marcus Odian Denard, as well as sisters Hazel Bufford and June Baston and brother Deleon Denard. He is survived by wife of 14 years Jeraldine Booth Denard, son Odian David Denard and his wife Debra, grandsons Matthew David Denard (Page) and Thomas Adolph Denard (Betsy) all of Washington. Grand daughter in law Jamie Price Denard of Columbia, SC. Great grandchildren Austin Tyler Denard of Hiram, GA, and twins Kari Ann and Price Odian Denard of Columbia, SC. Sisters-Sybil Walton of Hoschton, GA, Barbara Kessler of Ormond Beach, FL, and Katrina Weber (Carl) of Washington, GA; Brothers Darden (Louise) Tignall and Robert Ray of Gray, GA; Sister in law Mary Denard and brother in law James Baston, Jr both of Washington; and by a number of nieces and nephews and many longtime friends. Funeral services will be 11:00am Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the Fishing Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Roy Cates officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, where both Masonic and Military Rites will be accorded. Pallbearers Jim Baston, Jeff Daniel, Bobby Danner, Barry Denard, Brian Denard, and Sam Moore. The family will receive friends from 6-8pm Friday evening, April 21, 2017, at Hopkins Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Fishing Creek Baptist Church, 1762 Sandtown Rd, Washington, GA 30673