Reverend S. Woodrow DeBell

Reverend S. Woodrow "Woody" DeBell, 86, passed away Thursday, March 17, 2005, in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. The son of Cloud B. and Hallie Wilson DeBell was born on Jan. 5, 1919, in Lexington, Ky. He had been a Baptist minister from Sept. 1, 1941, until his retirement on Jan. 5, 1997. Rev. DeBell spent 25 years as director of Missions in Tennessee. He last served as pastor of the Sanford First Baptist Church in Sanford. Following his retirement, he occasionally served as a substitute pastor in various churches. His motto was "Have Bible Will Travel". He enjoyed wintering in Lake Havasu City and always had a joke or story to share. Woodrow attended Williams Baptist College (AA) in Walnut Ridge, Ariz., the Union University (BA) in Jackson, Tenn. and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (THB) in Louisville, Ky. He belonged to the Masonic Lodge of Midland, the Scottish Rite of Bay City, the Shrine Lodge Elf, Khurafeh Temple in Saginaw and the Union University Ministerial Association. Woodrow was known by his friends and family as an "avid sports fan". He especially enjoyed bowling, golfing and many spectator sports. Rev. DeBell is survived by his wife, Modell Todd DeBell of Sanford; his son, David W. (Mary) DeBell of Brownsville, Tenn.; his stepson, Jim E. (Beth) Todd of Sanford; his stepdaughter, Trisha (Gary) Tibbits of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; his brothers, Manlis DeBell of Mount Washington, Ky., Jerry (Diane) DeBell of Valhermosa Springs, Ala., Beverly (Bertha) DeBell of Cox's Creek, Ky., Gene (Sue) DeBell of Columbus, Ind. and Richard (Jean) DeBell of Morning View, Ky.; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Michael DeBell; his sister, Elsie Anderson; and his brothers, Cloud DeBell and Marvin DeBell. Funeral services will be held at the Schmid Funeral Home, 9500 Hwy. 44 East, Mount Washington, Ky. on Friday, March 25, 2005, 2 p.m. with a viewing from 1-2 p.m. Burial will take place at the Highland Memory Gardens. A special memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2005, 7 p.m. at the Sanford First Baptist Church, 3152 N. M-30, Sanford. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to a local Hospice Center or the American Cancer Society.