Elwood C. "Woody" O'Dell

Reverend Elwood C. “Woody” O’Dell - dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend - passed away on March 6, 2023, at the age of 82. Woody was born to Elwood and Pauline Douglas O’Dell on December 9, 1940, in Johnson City, NY. Woody graduated from Ogdensburg Free Academy in NY before attending Eastern Nazarene College in Massachusetts where he met his wife, Jean. He graduated in 1964 with a Bachelors in Music Education. In 1968 he started his 37- year career in ministry. Years later, he continued his education, earning a Master of Ministry from the Christian Bible College and Seminary in 1997. Woody was blessed with a large and loving family. He and Jean married on May 25, 1963. Their love for each other exceeded 59 years and they were blessed with five children, sixteen grandchildren, and twenty-two great grandchildren. Woody’s life revolved around church, family, community, and fun. All intertwined, everything was done for the Glory of God and as a witness to others that Jesus is LORD. As a pastor of Nazarene Churches he moved his family across the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire sharing the Gospel through music and sermon. His final move was in 1982 to the state of Florida where he served as pastor in the communities of Bartow and Haines City. His influence for Christ continued as he served on the Ministerial Board for the District Church of the Nazarene and taught courses for the Ministerial Course of Study. Woody loved music and used his talents to bring people together as he led multiple community and youth choirs. He also shared his love for music through his participation in the Haven Harmony Singers and as a DJ for WBAR. Woody found ways to share the love of Christ as he ran marathons, rode motorcycles with the Christian Motorcycle Association: Riders of the Cross, and served as a reserve police officer and chaplain of the police force. He absolutely loved God, his family, and people and dedicated his life to the love and ministry of others. Woody is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Marilyn Blazer. He is survived by his wife, Jean C. O’Dell; two sons: Paul O’Dell and Geoff O’Dell (Sharron Crumley), both of Bartow; three daughters: Carrie (Sam Holland) of Cairo, Georgia, Amy (Rick Cassick), and Sandra (Adrian Neal), both of Bartow; sixteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren. Family will receive friends Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 2:00 - 3:00 PM at the First Church of the Nazarene, 560 3rd Street, S.W. Winter Haven 33880. Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00 PM at the church. Private family interment will be in Bartow Wildwood Cemetery. In his memory, donations can be made to First Church of the Nazarene in Winter Haven to continue to share the gospel and provide activities in the youth and children’s ministry.