Jodie Ray French, Sr., 82, of Dyersburg, died Friday March 5, 2010 at Reelfoot Manor Nursing Center in Tiptonville.

He was a retired electrician for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, a member of Second Baptist Church, a former Red Coat at Dyersburg Regional Medical Center, an avid Ham Radio Operator, a former employee of Tennessee Forestry Service, a former employee of Heckethorn Mfg., and a U.S. WWII Veteran of the Army.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Dyersburg Funeral Home with the Rev. Ronnie Turner officiating. Entombment will be at Fairview Cemetery.

The family will receive visitors from 5:30-8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred Ann French, of Dyersburg; two daughters, Mary Ann DeSplinter and husband, Dick, of Sacramento, CA., and Donna Louise Lynn and husband, George "Bubba", of Dyersburg; a son, Jodie Ray French, Jr. and wife, Melissa, of Selmer; three step-sons, Tony Capps, Timothy Capps, and Scotty Hollis, all of Dyersburg; a brother, Marvin French and wife, Loretta, of Little Rock, AR.; twelve grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen French; his parents, Hugh and Leota Horner French; a sister, Virginia Dowdy; and three brothers, Russell French, Willie French, and Ben French.

Pallbearers will be Scotty Hollis, James Lumpkins, Jacob Ford, Christopher Lynn, Bill Brench, and Bryan Via. Honorary pallbearers will be Justin Lynn and Jason Pierce.