Jaroslav "Jerry" Votocek, 78, of Greenwood, husband of Anita Orr Votocek, passed away Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at his home.

Born on April 23, 1947 in Czech Republic, he was a son of the late Josef Votocek and Miluse Hendrich Votocek. He proudly served two years in the military in his home country before embarking on a journey that would lead him to the United States. In the U.S., Jerry made a name for himself as a skilled welder in the textile industry. He carried with him the values of diligence and precision learned during his time as a city gas inspector in the Czech Republic, traits that firmly shaped both his personal and professional life. He found joy in life's simple pleasures of fishing and nurturing his garden.

In addition to his wife, Anita, he is survived by his children, Radik, Gabriella, and Milka; sister, Miluska; brothers, Milos, Dzenek and Josef; and nine grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Jaroslav.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Rice Memorial Baptist Church with Dr. Dale Levan and Rev. Alvin Hodges officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the building fund at Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 1975 Highway 72 West, Greenwood, SC 29649 or online at www.ricembc.org/give .