Vitalis G. Viavoda

COLUMBIA – A memorial service for Vitalis Gerald “Jerry” Viavoda, 68, was held on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel.

Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Mr. Vitalis died Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007.

Born in Derby, Conn., he was a son of the late Vitalis Peter and Josephine Balsis Viavoda. He retired from McEntire Air National Guard Base as a senior master sergeant, having served with the 169th Tactical Squadron and survived Desert Storm. Mr. Viavoda was a 32nd degree Mason. He was a private pilot and a member of RC Flyers Club. Mr. Viavoda was an avid golfer and fisherman and a past president of Camp Swampy Bass Masters.

Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Thelma Carson Viavoda of Columbia; children, Deana Vicki Jeffreys of Manning and Jerry Lane Viavoda of Sumter; stepchildren, Terry Lynn Negron of New Port Richey, Fla., Sherry Yvette Eisenhower of Columbia and Bruce Allen Drawdy Jr. of Spring Hill, Fla.; brothers, Richard Viavoda of Columbia and Philip Viavoda of Seymour, Conn.; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dunbar Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.