James Robert Roddy

james roddy
James Robert “Jim” Roddy, 77, of 46 Dixon Terrace, Candler, passed away on Tuesday, September 11, 2007. Jim was born in Dayton, TN and grew up there. He was a graduate of Carson-Newman College and was a two-year Korean Conflict veteran. He came to Western North Carolina in 1956 to work for the National Climatic Data Center, where he spent 36 years working as a mathematician, and later as a computer analyst. While there, he was President of Local 453, NFFE for 10 years. Music was a real interest in his life. He was an organist at Deaverview Baptist Church for 10 years and at Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church for 11 years. For the last 12 years, he had been pianist and director of the Harvest House Troubadours and Troubadourables, two groups who sing for nursing and assisted-living homes. Jim was an avid hiker and climber. He had hiked much of the Appalachian Trail and locally, and had climbed the highest mountains in Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado. In 1993-94, he was President of the Carolina Mountain Club. Preceding him in death were his parents, the Rev. and Mrs. Grady Roddy, and a brother, William J. Roddy. Survivors are his wife of 52 years, Lillie Mae Daves Roddy; two children, Wayne Roddy and his wife, Melanie, of Fairview, and the Rev. Sharon Waters and her husband, Keith, of Strasburg, VA; brother, Charles Roddy, of Dayton, TN; two sisters, Mary Kate Hammon, of Birmingham, AL, and Joyce Andrews, of Crossville, TN; two grandchildren, Zachary Roddy and Emily Roddy, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday at Hominy Baptist Church, Candler, where he was a member and had been a deacon, Sunday School teacher, assistant organist, and Meals on Wheels driver. The Revs. Dr. Joe Yelton and Paul Raybon will officiate. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. His family will receive friends from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. In lieu of flowers, you may send contributions to the Hominy Baptist Church Building Fund, 135 Candler School Rd., Candler, NC 28715.

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  1. Mr. Roddy will surely be missed. The organ music at Hominy Baptist Church was awesome. We loved to sit down and chat with him always a story to be told. He is in good hands now.

    Love
    Stephanie, Ken, Daniel and Jessie Radford

  2. Dear Sharon & family – You know that my love and prayers are with you in this time of mourning the loss of your dear dad. I know the past few months have been difficult as his health has steadily declined. I mourn with you in his loss and yet celebrate that he is now healthy and whole and providing all kinds of music with the angels! Love and hugs to you all.

  3. Dear Lillie Mae,

    I was saddened to see where Jim had
    passed away. Please accept my
    condolences. I will remember you
    all in my prayers.

    Sincerely,
    Elizabeth Taylor

  4. Wayne – We were so sorry to hear that your dad passed away. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. We’re praying for you, Melanie and the kids. God Bless. Rod, Melanie, Jake and Josh

  5. Dear Lillie Mae,

    My (our) thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. You have a strong faith and you don’t need me to remind you that our awesome God will supply all of your needs according to His great riches. I will be in touch soon.

    Love, Alta Jo

  6. Our deepest sympathy goes out to Lillie Mae and family on Jim’s passing. We are grateful to have had Jim play at our wedding almost 10 years ago. God bless you.

  7. Sharon and Wayne –
    We are so sorry to hear about your dad. We use to see him walking in the mall and we’d stop and talk. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Marjorie, Kim & family

  8. Lillie Mae, Sharon & Wayne,

    Jim Roddy was one of a kind, and a friend to me through the years. I enjoyed his sharp mind, deep commitment, and the times we spent together on trips to Baptist conventions. He made invaluable contributions to Hominy Baptist Church, as well as other churches where he participated. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Fred & Pat

  9. We want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. I remember Jim being the organist at Deverview Baptist Church. I loved to hear him play because he had such a God given talent and the smile on his face as he played was such a blessing.


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