James Leslie 'Jodie' Wadkins

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Mr. James Leslie "Jodie" Wadkins, 88, of Blytheville, passed from this life Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2013, at his home.

He was born in the Lone Oak Community to Earl and Ida Mae Lamb Wadkins. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a retired truck driver for Bush Canning Company. Mr. Wadkins was a member of Lone Oak Missionary Baptist Church.

Jodie enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. He loved going to church, where he served as Deacon.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Viney June Horsley Wadkins; an infant daughter, Joan Lesley Wadkins; and a brother, Earl Wadkins Jr.

Mr. Wadkins is survived by his wife, Marie Larie Wadkins of the home;

His children, Ernie D. Wadkins of Preston, Mo., Dennis L. Wadkins of Bastrop, La., Tammy J. Whittle of Yarbro, James L. Wadkins Jr. of Pleasant Grove, and Ida M. "Sissy" Deichman of Blytheville;

A sister, Lucille Yankee of Blytheville; and

Ten grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. William Earl Pate and the Rev. Mitchell King Jr. officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at cobbfuneralhome.com