J. O. Renalds III

J. O. Renalds III went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 25, 2018 after a short but intense battle with Parkinson’s, Pneumonia and other complications. His family and close friends were privileged to be with him as he fought and won his last battle.

J.O. (Oz) was born in Wharton, Texas on November 10, 1943 to the late J. O. and Marie S. Renalds.

After graduating from R.E. Lee High School in Staunton, VA and VPI (Virginia Polytechnic Institute), he entered the United States Army and subsequently served in Vietnam for a year. During his service in Vietnam, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star with Valor, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Parachute Badge, Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device, Vietnam Service Medal, Ranger Tab and 2 Overseas Bars.

He served as County Administrator in Frederick County, VA and as Director of Field Operations at Liberty University.

He was a mighty prayer warrior and until his health declined a member and speaker for the Gideons. Of all the things that were important to him the Lord was first and his family next.

He was married to his wife, Ann, for over 50 years and despite being total opposites they loved each other deeply and were devoted to one another. He is also survived by a son J.O. Renalds IV and wife Dayna, a daughter Tiffany Tili and husband Sean, and a son-in-law Mike Rhodes. His 6 grandchildren were an extra blessing God bestowed on him. He has been reunited with his daughter Deanna Rhodes who was killed by a drunk driver in 1999. Two sisters also survive him Cathy Wittan and Carol Fortune.

When asked by his wife how he wanted to be remembered he remarked, “He was a good man” and that only scratches the surface of who he was.

A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, March 1, 2018 at Thomas Road Baptist Church with Pastor Jonathan Falwell and the Rev. David Hill officiating. Interment will follow in Virginia Memorial Park with military honors by the American Legion Post 16.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Gideons International P.O. Box 4212, Lynchburg, VA 24502 or Thomas Road Baptist Church 1 Mountain View Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24502.