January 17, 1948 – February 11, 2021
Remembering a Life Well Lived
Jerry Montez Osborne, aka Hobo, was a generous soul, passionate for golf, with a love for history, his family, and a devotion to God.
Click this link for the Virtual Visitation that was held on Sat., Feb. 20 at 3:55 PM (ET) for
Jerry “Hobo” Osborne
“Hobo” was a nickname given to him at 12-years-old by a schoolmate because he drew a TV character Freddie the Freeloader. Jerry had intrinsic artistic skills and beautiful penmanship. The name Hobo stuck. He lived true to the name as he would later travel as a professional golf caddie anywhere in the USA. Sometimes with little or no funds, he would get to his destination. He was good at yardage, had a strong drive, remembered any golf course he had ever walked, knew details unlike any other golfer, and made lots of endearing friends.
The Vietnam War Draft to the US Army came in 1968. He served two years in combat.
From the 1970’s to 2010, he played or caddied for some of golf’s great players. He gained many accolades from his golf scholarship at South Carolina State University; his graduation from Johnson C Smith University Bachelor of Art in History (1977) and his dedication to his hometown golf course, Bonnie Brae, Revolution Park, Charlie Sifford Recreation Center Golf Course.
It was in 1972 that Jerry made his dedication to Jehovah God. He volunteered as a full-time evangelizer preaching God’s Kingdom as the solution for peace. Many in Charlotte, NC benefited from studies he conducted. 1972 was also the year he met his wife, Cynthia Jefferson Osborne. When they were married in 1975, they were full-time evangelizers in Charlotte, NC. They were able to do this for many years. They have two sons. Richard DeParis Jones (Phylissa) and Hubert Danube Osborne known as Danny. Two granddaughters, Aja Jones and Shalina Osborne; one grandson Semaj Osborne.
Jerry, born in 1948, was raised by loving parents, Raymond and Louise Graham Osborne. His siblings are close-knit and caring. There are brothers, Dyrlle Osborne (Carolyn), Raymond (Doris), and Keith Osborne. Sisters are Karen Herron, Brendella Herron (Graylin). He is survived by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and congregational brothers and sisters.
Jerry had many health issues yet overcame them while enduring years of chronic illness. That could not stop him from being a Professional Golf Caddie for most of his 73-years of life. He was the first Afro-American to become a territorial golf equipment and clothing representative in the Southeast USA.
A year later Jerry started Humble Hackers Ltd. It was created to develop youth golfers into tournament players. His company provided many items not covered by other philanthropies. The donations given to Humble Hackers helped one young man gain Golf Professional status, helped over 12 youths get college scholarships, as well as tournament entry fees, and equipment. Humble Hackers’ benevolence was felt by many parents, golfers, caddies, and golf historians across the United States.
When asked how you want to be remembered, he replied, “I want people to know that I am generous, wholesome, honest, and concise. And I was devoted to God.”
Arrangements handled by Grier Memorial Chapel, 115 John McCarroll Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28216.
Please send cards to Mrs. Cynthia Jefferson Osborne, 1804 Jennings Street, Charlotte, NC 28216.
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