WAYCROSS — Mr. Jimmy E. Renew Sr., 88, of Waycross died Thursday morning, October 16, 2025, at Memorial Satilla Health after an extended illness.
He was born in Atkinson County to the late James Gerald Renew and Vera Gilbert Renew. He moved to Waycross in 1964 where he worked for Liberty National Life
Renew
Insurance Company serving Ware, Pierce and Brantley counties for more than 40 years before retiring.
Renew was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Virginia James Renew (Bootsy); his brothers Howard Renew and Larry Renew and his son-in-law Randy Cornelius. He leaves behind his daughters Selena Cornelius of Blackshear, Yvonda Dyson (Darryl) of Waycross and son Jimmy E. Renew Jr. (Linda) of Blackshear. Seven grandchildren, Kimberly Cornelius, Clayton Cornelius (Amber), Stephanie Duck (Corey), Brian Dyson, Haley Garmon, Dylan Renew, Jared Renew (Jamie), and one bonus grandchild, Macie Britt. Ten great grandchildren, Avery Cornelius, Iverson Cornelius, Coley Duck, Camryn Duck, Seth King, Sophia King, Matthew Garmon Jr., Remington Renew, Wrenley Renew, Sawyer Renew.
Renew served in the United States Army as a Military Policeman, PFC (E-3) (T), from 1959 until 1961 in the 523d MP Co, Aberdeen PG, Maryland, where he received the Good Conduct Medal.
He was active for more than 30 years in the Elks Club Lodge No. 369, officially known as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a non-political, non-sectarian, and charitable group that focuses on community service, patriotism, and support for veterans, youth, and special needs children. He served many positions over the years including Exalted Ruler.
He enjoyed fishing at his vacation home on the St. Mary's River and working the land on his tractor at his other vacation home, also known as the “Renew Pondrosa” in Pearson. Both vacation spots had screened in porches with rocking chairs, where he rocked with the 'Love of His Life', his wife, Bootsy.
He enjoyed traveling, whether it was family vacations to the Gulf of Mexico, trips to the mountains, cruises to Alaska or the Bahamas and several road trips in his conversion van. Most of his travels always came with running into someone he knew and could call them by name.
More than anything, he loved his family and any time he could spend with them. Fishing with his grandkids at the river or grilling his favorite foods with everyone gathered together reminiscing and laughing.
A private graveside service will be held at Union Hill Congregational Christian Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or Alzheimer's Disease research organization.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com.
