Stodghill, Thomas Whitfield
4/13/1961
THOMAS WHITFIELD STODGHILL
June 24, 1875 – April 13, 1961
The Rev. Thomas Whitfield Stodgill born June 24, 1875, in Hopkins County, Madisonville, KY., the 11th of 13 children. His parents were John Joseph Stodgill and Margarat Ellen, nee-Thompson. Died April 13, 1861, Winnsbor0, La.
His education for the ministry included three years in a Methodist Church School in Elkton, Ky., 1910-1913. In 1913 he entered Vanderbilt University where he studied for three years. This was followed with a four year correspondent course in Candler School of Theology, Atlanta, Ga.
His ministry in the church started in 1914 while attending college. His services were in Franklin, Ky., Woodburn, Ky., Adaviville, Ky., and in 1918 he was appointed Camp Pastor at Fort Knox, Ky. Later he served St. Paul Methodist Church in Louisville, Ky.
Because of ill health of his wife he moved to Rayville, La., in 1922. He established the Stodghill Lumber Co. in Winnsboro, La., in 1923.
He was first married to Miss Flora Combs in 1898 who preceded him in death.
In 1921 he was married to Miss Mamie Allen Noonan who likewise preceded him in death.
He was married to Miss Jewell Taylor, on Feb. 14, 1932, and this union was blessed by two children.
Bro. Whitt. Stodgill, as he was affectionately known was a man of God; to that all who knew him can bear witness. Although no longer an itinerant minister he was ever happy to serve his church. This he did in the La. Conference of the Methodist Church as long as he was able. This local church has been richly blessed by his ministry both when he supplied the pulpit and daily through his faithful brotherly witness for God. His footprints are among us and no one will ever go astray following these footprints. Brother Stodghill was a fundamentalist, “Born Again” Christian, no one could doubt that. Loved and respected by young and old. Those who knew him best loved him most. His preacher was always a beloved and respected brother. He would say, “I was taught to love my preacher and stand by him.” His Amens have at times startled the congregations but they came from a heart that loved to hear the eternal truths of God proclaimed. He loved to preach and did so as long as he could. Only God who knows all and who is omnipotent can adequately reward such a life. He who sought no reward for himself will surely have his reward in heaven. May God bless his memory to our everlasting benediction and profit.
SURVIVING ARE; His beloved wife Mrs. Jewel Stodghill. Daughter Mrs. Elizabeth Ellen Stodghill Tucker, Vidalia, La.; son Thomas Whitfield Stodghill, Jr.; and five grandchildren: Ellen and Merry Tucker, Vidalia, La., and William Rollie Tucker, Vidalia, La., Thomas Whitfield Stidghill 3rd, Winnsboro, La., Stephanie Stodghill, Winnsboro, Louisiana.
Source: Louisiana Conference Journal, 1962; p. 244 W. H. Bengtson
