Jerry Jerome Hedden Sr.

Jerry Jerome Hedden Sr., age 79, of Hawkinsville, Georgia, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on the morning of December 4, 2025. Born on August 14, 1946, in Hawkinsville, he was the beloved son of the late Hosea and Ella Hedden.

Jerry built a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and a consistent quiet strength. He spent many years as a long-haul truck driver and terminal supervisor, providing for his family with unwavering dedication. He loved Westerns, football, and fixing anything he could get his hands on; if you knew him, you knew he loved piddlin'. Jerry had a gift for taking things apart, putting them back together, and making life a little easier for the people around him.

Some of Jerry's favorite sayings were: "Shoot yeah", "wait and see", "time will tell", "watch your lips", and "call me at BR-549".

He had many nicknames and titles: Peabody, Bod, Sugarfoot, Sugar, Daddy, Papaw, Papa, and Pops. He in turn had a nickname for all of his loved ones.

What made Jerry truly special was his servant's heart. He was a steadfast protector and a loyal provider, always putting his family first. His love was steady, dependable, and deeply felt by everyone who knew him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda Hedden, who passed away in 2021. Jerry was the perfect balance to Wanda, and we take comfort in knowing they are reunited in Heaven.

Jerry was also preceded in death by his siblings Nelson, Myrtle, Lois, Carl, Faye, Dick, Shelby Jean, and Don. He is survived by his siblings, Calvin, Buck, Joyce, and his twin Gary.

Jerry loved all of his siblings dearly. He shared a special bond with his twin brother, Gary. Though Jerry was the younger of the two, he was always the one who babied Gary, forever looking out for him. He would drop everything to be by Gary's side whenever he needed him, a testament to Jerry's loyal and caring heart.

Jerry's large, close, and loving family extended to many nieces and nephews, all of whom he adored, and they adored him just the same.

Jerry is survived by his children: Theresa Bowling, Toy Pierce (Kenny Pierce), and J.J. Hedden Jr. (Liza Hedden).

He was a proud grandfather to Ty Bowling, Cole Bowling, Ashlyn Ward, Austin Taylor, Dustin Taylor, Rome Hedden, and Zeke Hedden, and a cherished great-grandfather to Rylynn, Gunnar, Wayde, Lennyx, Blayr, Weston, Keelan, Lailyn, Karmyn, Krew, Remi and Courtnei Jo.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and quiet wisdom. His presence will be profoundly missed but forever remembered.

Funeral services will be held on December 6, 2025, at Mathis Funeral Home located at 151 E Dykes St., Cochran, GA 31014. Visitation will begin at 12:00 P.M. followed by the funeral service at 1:00 P.M. Burial will take place at Browndale Cemetery in Pulaski County.

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