Rev. Theodore “Ted” A. Rodda, Jr., 73, of Crawfordville, Florida went to be with the Lord Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Big Bend Hospice in Tallahassee following a brief illness.
Pastor Ted was born at Mary Lawson Hospital in Palatka and before moving to Crawfordville, he had lived in Putnam County for the past 35 years coming from Hastings. He served honorably as a chaplain’s assistant in the US Army and had been an active member of Bert Hodge Post #45 of the American Legion where he served as a post commander, chaplain, adjutant, and judge advocate.
Ted earned an A.A. degree from Polk Community College; and a Bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Palm Beach Atlantic University. While serving in the Army, he earned his Master’s degree from Northern Colorado University. He attended seminary college at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX.
A pastor and minister of the Gospel for many years, Ted pastored Antioch Baptist Church in Eagle Lake, FL; First Baptist Church of Hastings; Living Faith Church of Palatka; and as assistant pastor at Living Waters Worship Center in Green Cove Springs. Most recently, Ted attended River of Life church in Crawfordville. He was formerly employed by Masters Funeral Home and had been the manager of Palatka Memorial Gardens for over 20 years.
Surviving are his wife of 53 years, Donna Rodda; two daughters and a son-in-law, Mariesa and Adam White, and Pamela Rodda; a brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Kim Rodda; two sisters, Carole Rodda and Patrice Rodda and spouse Christine Ihm; aunt, Ann Rodda; grandson, Zachary White; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pastor Ted’s life will be celebrated and God was honored at a service at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka with Pastor Joe Barrie officiating. Calling hours were from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Masters Funeral Home in Palatka. At Ted’s service, the Living Waters Worship Team sang and the Bert Hodge Post stood as an honor guard at his repose. Interment followed his funeral at Palatka Memorial Gardens with full military honors rendered by the American Legion.
Memorial gifts in his memory may be sent to Bert Hodge Post #45 of the American Legion, 316 Osceola Street, Palatka, FL 3177.
Friends may sign Ted’s online tribute page at: themastersfuneralhome.com. The service will be live-streamed at www.vimeo.com/mastersfuneralhome.
Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.