Wallace "Wally" Preston Odum, Jr.

Wallace Preston “Wally” Odum, Jr., 79, of Warrenton, Virginia, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, brother, pastor, and friend, Wally lived a life defined by deep faith, unwavering passion for the Bible, and a genuine love for people. Born on September 11, 1946, in Abingdon, Virginia, Wally was the son of Wallace P. Odum, Sr., and Eula Marie Sumpter Odum. He grew up in a close-knit family that instilled in him enduring values of kindness, service, and integrity. He graduated from Lee High School in Springfield, Virginia, in 1964 and subsequently attended the University of Virginia, where he completed three years of engineering studies. During his third year at UVA, Wally experienced a profound call to ministry that changed the direction of his life. In obedience to that call, he left engineering studies and enrolled at Northeast Bible College (now the University of Valley Forge), where he earned his degree in ministry. He later continued his theological education at Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Wally began his pastoral journey in Strasburg, Virginia, where he discovered his passion for preaching, shepherding, and encouraging others. Over the next five decades, he faithfully served in ministry across multiple states and overseas. His pastoral and teaching roles included: · Pastor, Westminster Assembly of God, Westminster, Maryland (1974–1978) · Pastor, First Assembly of God, later Church of the Redeemer (now Wave Church), Virginia Beach, Virginia (1978–1999) · Teaching Pastor and itinerant ministry, Australia (2000–2001) · Pastor, Liberty Christian Fellowship, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina (2002–2006) · Teaching Pastor, The Life Church (now Love Church), Gainesville, Virginia (2009–2021) At the time of his passing, Wally was serving as an elder at Love Church. In 2022, Wally retired from full-time ministry, though he never stopped teaching, encouraging, or sharing God’s Word. He devoted his later years to writing blogs and books, continuing to reach others with wisdom, warmth, humor, and heartfelt faith. Wally will be remembered for his ability to teach God's Word using both humor and memorable illustrations, his steadfast commitment to Christ, and the countless lives he touched. Whether from the pulpit, across a dinner table, or through the written word, he had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, valued, and deeply loved. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Diana “Gwen” Abernathy Odum; his three daughters, Holly, Suzanne, and Jill; and his sister, Rosalie McFarland. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and a large extended family of friends also survive him. He was predeceased by his parents, Wallace Preston Odum, Sr., and Eula Marie Sumpter Odum, and his brother, Claude Winston Odum. Those wishing to reach the family may do so by email at jillodum35@gmail.com. A Celebration of Life service will be held after the first of the year. Service updates, along with Wally’s devotional blog, will be shared on the Facebook page “Wally Odum – Daily Grace.”

Wallace "Wally" Preston Odum, Jr.

September 11, 1946 - December 6, 2025