Royce Odom

Royce Odom was born to Boud McQuilley Odom and Lourinda Fisher Odom on June 27, 1930, near Thomastown, Mississippi. He married Beverly Ellard on August 13, 1950, and they were blessed with two sons, Gerald and Terry. Terry had Down Syndrome, but that never slowed him down. He was special to everyone he met, never prejudging anyone and loving people as they were. Terry was always by his father’s side whenever possible.

Royce began his ministry in 1951 and received his local license with the UPCI on July 30, 1953. He received his general license on August 23, 1956, and was ordained on April 28, 1959.

Bro. Odom pastored six churches during his lifetime: McComb, Mississippi (7 years); Sheffield, Alabama (3 years); Beaumont, Texas (2 years); Clarksdale, Mississippi (2 years); Ovett, Mississippi (24 years); and Petal, Mississippi (15 years).

He served for 35 years as Presbyter for Section 8 of the Mississippi District UPC. The Section honored him for his years of dedicated service, and the pastors of Section 8 joined together to pay tribute to Bro. Odom and his wife, Sis. Beverly Odom, for their leadership, vision, and commitment to the Mississippi District.

The service was held at Lighthouse First Pentecostal Church in Lucedale, Mississippi, where host pastor Larry C. Hoyt said, "We should give honor to our elders and leaders while they are living and let them know how much we really appreciate them. Every section in this District should find time to honor their Presbyter."

Many pastors, presbyters, and other ministers gathered to honor Bro. and Sis. Odom at this special service. He was presented with a plaque from the pastors of Section 8. After the service, the ministry and congregation were served a meal in the Life Center of Lighthouse First Pentecostal Church.

Bro. Odom was a Bible teacher and evangelist, ministering in various cities and states. He served as a speaker at prophecy conferences and camp meetings and held multiple offices, including Section Youth Director (4 years), Section Sunday School Secretary (1 year), and Section Home Missions Director (2 years). His formal education included two years of college.

Bro. Odom’s ministry spanned 61 years. He and his wife founded the Pentecostals of Petal, a Home Missions work in Petal, Mississippi, which he pastored until his passing on December 20, 2011.

At the end of his earthly journey, God called him home. May his legacy live on through the memories of a life dedicated to serving the Lord.