Bobby LaVaughn Jeter

Bobby L. Jeter moved to his new home in glory on February 28, 2025. He was 93. He passed peacefully in his sleep with his wife by his side.

Bobby was born in Carrolton, Georgia to the late Annie Belle Hammond and the late William B. Jeter, on March 23, 1931. He was actually born two days earlier on the 21st, but it took the county doctor two days to complete the birth certificate. His father passed away when Bobby was two years old, his brother, Clyde, was seven, and his sister, Joyce, was an infant. Their mother worked in a hosiery mill to support the family. Bobby would often say, "Don't tell me poverty causes crime, I am a prime example that it doesn't". Bobby was his mother's favorite, as he was very easy going, kind, and never caused any problems. These traits remained with him throughout his life.

When Bobby was a young man, he work at a local "ma & pa" grocery store. Working never allowed him to participate in sports or other school activities. However, he was voted "King" (most handsome) of his class. He'd remark, "The reason I was voted king is because I worked hard and was able to buy a car; I was the first in my class to own a car." Everybody wanted a ride!

His childhood gave him a strong work ethic. He retired from the United States Air Force with twenty three years of service. He then worked as a detective for Savannah Police Department, retiring after 20 years. Bobby then went to work at the Georgia Port Authority. Before retiring at age 89, he finally completed his career working for Chatham County.

Neither age nor wealth defined this man of character. He was very proud of his two daughter's successes, but would often say, "I hope they never forget their humble roots."

Bobby was a natural born leader. He received numerous merit awards and honors throughout his career. His wife stated the following Chinese proverb fits him: "A leader is best when people barely know he exists. Not so good when people proclaim and obey him. Worse when they despise him. But of a good leader who talks little when work is done, his aim fulfilled, when they say, "We did it ourselves.". - Lao Tsu, C. 565 B.C.

Bobby could have chosen any profession he set his mind to - Lawyer, Doctor, etc. He was once reprimanded by the city attorney for practicing law without a license. He wanted to help folks who could not afford attorneys. Due to being a detective, he wasn't particularly fond of lawyers. He'd state, "Most attorneys prey on human misery". Bobby never lost one case in court in his entire career against any attorney.

Bobby enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He loved God. When he was a very young man, he heard the audible voice of God calling him to walk down the aisle and accept Christ. A few months prior to his death, while in his bed, tears began to flow as visitors were talking about the Lord. He decided to reconfirm his life in Christ. It was the work of the Holy Spirit; all in the room felt it. It was a joyous moment.

Bobby loved his family - his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his many nieces and nephews; he loved any baby he could get his hands on. Bobby was truly the patriarch of his family. He was easy going and loved to tell "old country" stories about his childhood, and many tales from his lifetime of careers.

Bobby's life was full of meaning, purpose, and contentment. To know him was to love him.

His hobbies included reading, hanging out at the mall with his buddies, playing scrabble, etc. He enjoyed going to the movies with his wife, Janet and her father, Bob. Not very often did you see Bobby without Janet, there is no place he would rather be than with his wife. They were both devoted to one another. She was his caregiver for five years. Janet stated, "She could not have done it without God's help, Hospice aids, and a few close friends, whose help was invaluable. They became like family".

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Hazel Sapp Jeter; and his brother, Billy Clyde Jeter.

Survivors include his wife of thirty years, Janet Jeter; daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa & Jerry Wardlaw and Debbie & Wade Seyle; six grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren. A host of nieces and nephews also survive.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 12:00 noon at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, Hodgson Memorial Chapel (7415 Hodgson Memorial Drive Savannah, GA 31406). It will be a true celebration, as this would be the weekend of his 94th birthday.

Visitation be held from 10:45 a.m. until 12:00 noon on Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service.

Inurnment will follow at later date in Bonaventure Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to Hospice Savannah (1352 Eisenhower Drive Savannah, GA 31406).