Tribute to Davy from David Riddell

Hey Friends,

Odie here reporting again from Kettering Hospital. Thank you for your continued prayers! 

Sunday morning I had a rough spell. I opted to stay in the hospital one more night. Now the plan is to go home on Monday. Thankfully I have not had anymore spells. The staff here has taken great care of me. 

Today I have something special to share with you. One of our dearest friends David Riddell shared this heartfelt tribute to my Dad online. It so moved mom and I, and we are sharing it here with David’s permission.

Please read the great words listed below. 

Odie

Tribute to Davy from David Riddell 

He was my longest best friend. We were 17/16 years old when we met, and we became immediate best friends. Cousins that somehow had not met until then, but it was a God thing. We held our first revival together at the Stubbs Mill church; he preached one night and I the next. Even though we were young and competitive by nature, ministry was never competitive between us. We were teammates. We studied together, prayed together, and in those days, you rarely saw one without the other. We just had that brotherly connection, where we even thought alike. I'll never forget when I found the most awesome-looking green pants at Kaufman's in Lebanon, and I walked into church that night thinking that I was looking good only to find him wearing the same pants. Someone asked us that night if those pants came with a dimmer switch.

When he was blessed to find Kelly, I became the most loved third wheel in all of history. She was never my best friend's wife; she just became my best friend too. And when Odie came along, she just became my little sister, since they both were helping raise me.

He had a faith that I always admired, probably because I didn't personally have it. I fell away from God in my early 20's, and it was in his study, where I was spewing my newfound religion of secular humanism and psychological babble, where he simply said, David, God is married to the backslider.

 Those simple words from my dear friend, anointed by the Holy Ghost, broke me completely. Before I even knew what I was doing, I had fallen on my knees and was sobbing, begging

for God to forgive me, and He did. There's only one other human who knew how truly frail and weak I am because he became my most trusted confessor. He never cut me any slack; that's why I went to him, but he always spoke to me with love. I will miss that. The last time I was with him, he said, "Man David, you don't need anyone to beat you; you have that covered yourself."

I hate how the cruelty of life separated us after our youth, but I always knew that you were there, but this cruel death is almost unbearable. I never expected him to outrun me to the gates of Heaven, never expected that he would see my daddy again before me, never expected to have to live in a world without you in it, but here we are, me still down here, you over there, my heart broken, yours full of joy, my eyes unable to stop weeping, yours never to shed another tear. I never expected, but l probably should have; you were always the better man. You deserved a better friend in me, and I never had a better friend in you.

Goodbye my dear friend, what time I have left, you will never be forgotten, never be unloved, and your impact on my life never unfelt.

 David Riddell

Davy Boggs Obituary Information

Hey Friends,

This is Odie reporting in from the beach cottage. Mom and I made it home to Waynesville last night. It was so good to spend some time surrounded by family!

Thank you for your calls, texts, comments, emails, prayers, hugs and support! Once again, the family of God has surrounded us. Your kindness and generosity are helping us through a difficult time. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude and appreciation!

On Tuesday, I posted the details of Dad's Celebration of Life, scheduled for next week. You can see that post by clicking here.

For anyone planning to attend the services from out of state. Here is some lodging information that you might find valuable. Thank you to Bro. Jeff Roberts for helping us with this information! He asked me to share the details below with our blog readers

“If you are making arrangements to come to the viewing or funeral for Bro Davy, we have a special rate with a block of rooms reserved at the following hotel. You can get a room for $65 plus tax. You need to request rooms under the block for Dryden Road Church. 

The Hotel at Dayton South

8099 Old Yankee Street

Centerville, OH 45458

(937) 291-0284”

Today, I have Dad’s official obituary for you. Thanks to my Uncle Steve and Aunt Karen for aiding us with this task! Here is a link to the official listing. 

Davy Boggs 

Jan 16, 1967 - Nov 10, 2024

Boggs, Davy, age 57, of Waynesville, passed away Sunday, November 10, 2024, in Wichita, Kansas.

Davy graduated from Waynesville High School, class of ’85, where he served as class president. 

Davy began preaching as a teenager and married young to his great love, Kelly Jo. They traveled and preached on weekends, worked public jobs, evangelized full-time some and pastored churches twice. Their daughter Odie traveled with them everywhere. In 2003, the family committed to full-time ministry with their only home on the road. After wearing out a couple trucks and fifth-wheel campers, in 2008, Davy moved his family into the Boggsmobile, a 1995 Prevost Motorcoach bus. While this complex machine stressed him at times (a condition the family called bus-induced psychosis), it quickly became home to him and remained his home until last week. 

Davy and his family spent much more time away than they did at home, often spending months traveling across the United States spreading the word of God as an evangelist. His days were spent studying and seeking the Lord so he could fulfill his calling to encourage pastors. Davy and his family ministered more than 340 services most years. Davy’s passion was for souls, and he loved to reach for them under the Blue and White Gospel Tent. In fact, he spent more than 800 nights holding tent revivals. In 2016, the ministry had a year of City Reach tent revivals across much of the country. Along the way, Davy and his family became close to many pastors and their congregations; places that became like home, friends that truly became family.

Boggs Family Ministries, under Davy’s leadership, traveled the world spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In 2007, on the invitation of Pastor E. Ade Shobanke, they began traveling overseas to Nigeria. Davy was widely known and loved by the people in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he preached minister’s conferences, camp meeting services, revivals or wherever he was asked to go. He pledged support from Boggs Family Ministries to the GoodNews Christian School when it was only a dream, and they have continued that support. He believed in the mission of the school and was convinced they are changing lives for good in Abeokuta and beyond.

Another abiding passion and ministry are his many thousands of blog posts at www.BoggsBlogs.com. He used the blog for many purposes: spiritual edification, travelogue, bus maintenance journal, and whatever else his interesting mind beheld and wished to share. Davy also had a regular Word For Wednesday (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKnI-D9DP9CsjD-Eckg9WYp54FQiq8kL6&si=iglopxFJs4plFG1F) on the ministry’s YouTube channel. Archived on the YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@boggsfamilyministries?si=iAqJhjFwxxSNserJ) as well is the much-loved 61 night revival Davy held early in Covid-19. His encouragement and sharing of the Gospel would not be stopped because people were unable to gather.

Davy loved books. Eventually he found a place to keep them out of storage at the Lazy OD Ranch. He has long collected and shared his preacher’s library used as inspiration for his messages, videos and blog posts. Earlier in his life, he enjoyed playing the acoustic guitar, which developed into a passion for the sweet sound of a good Martin. He also loved to eat. When he was home, he had a tradition of visiting Acapulco Mexican Restaurant in Lebanon at opening time almost daily. They referred to him as “Señor Salsa;” he might even drink the salsa straight from the bowl. Many of Davy’s food adventures are documented on BoggsBlogs, including pictures of course.

Davy was faithful, caring, ethical, dedicated and kind. His sincerity with people made them feel like they were his best friend. He loved God’s people and the lost alike. In addition, he was very generous, for he knew God blessed him so he could help others. He kept his hands open to share God’s blessings. In Davy’s words, “We are humbled by what Christ has done in our lives and unashamed to travel the roads singing and preaching that Christ will do the same for all that go to God the Father through Him.”

Davy was preceded in death by his daughter, Ali Elizabeth Boggs. He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Kelly Jo Boggs; one daughter, Andrea Eve "Odie" Boggs; his parents, Eugene and Martha Boggs; two brothers, Steve (Karen) Boggs and Tommy Boggs; one sister, Theresa (Jay) Osborn; parents-in-law, Danny and Betty Morgan; sister-in-law, Kimberly (Brian) Roush; brother-in-law, Danny (Jeanna) Morgan Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and many friends all across the world.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, November 21, at the Dryden Road Pentecostal Church in Moraine. Burial will be at Miami Cemetery in Corwin. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, November 20, at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to GoodNews Christian School, c/o Boggs Family Ministries, PO Box 28, Waynesville, Ohio 45068 or via the following link: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=W8Y7Z82EJPSFA&source=url&ssrt=1731391753627

Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville is serving the family. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.

Davy Finished The Race 1/16/67-11/10/24

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ 

 “7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 

8. henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”

‭‭

Hey Friends,

My Daddy fought a good fight and finished his race yesterday afternoon! He is shouting on the streets of gold, worshipping Jesus! He is reunited with our precious Ali and many other loved one. 

We rejoice because Dad is happy and whole! The day he lived for has finally arrived! Our hearts hurt to say goodbye to the best husband, father, son, brother and friend, anyone could ask for. We are thankful for the blessed hope of seeing him again!

Please keep our family in your prayers! thank you for your love, Friendship and so much more. So many of you have already helped us navigate this difficult time in our lives! The outpouring of love and support from our friends has been mind blowing!

The funeral arrangements are pending. All the services will be held in Ohio. The details will be posted here when they are available. It could take a few days to finalize everything.

Thank you for checking in with us! Please share this post with others. we may take a break from our regular blog, content, or maybe not.

Odie

View Out Of The Hospital Window

 Hey Friends,

This is Odie checking in for a quick Sunday post. 

Here was the view out that hospital window on Saturday evening.

Please keep praying for our entire family! We are praying for Dad's wholeness either here on Earth or in Heaven! 

Thank you again for your prayers and continual care for us! We can feel the prayers and your love! We dearly love the family of God that we have been privileged to call our own!

Odie

Happy 60th Birthda, Lisa

Hey Friends,

This is Odie coming to you this fine Saturday. I hope you are doing well. God has been so good to us this week. I am grateful for His daily blessings for our family. 

For the November Saturday posts, I want to focus on people and things for which I am extra thankful. The link to last week's post is here, if you missed it.

Happy 60th Birthday, Lisa!

Today I am focused on an extraordinary person who is special to me! She is our cousin Lisa Isaacs. We are so thankful for Lisa Isaacs!I truly do not know what we would do without her. Sprinkled in this post a various Lisa pictures from my camera roll. She has a milestone birthday in just a few days. 

November 12th 1964 the world became better with the birth of Lisa. She was the second child born to my Uncle Delmar and Aunt Connie. Lisa grew up to be a wonderful lady. In high school God changed her life. She has dedicated her life to living for him. 

Lisa is happiest when she is helping others. She is an absolutely selfless person. Her goal is to make someone else day better!

She does so much for our entire family behind the scenes. If she hears of a need Lisa is first to offer her services of assistance.

I can not tell you how much she always helps me when I am home. When Dad was in the hospital and rehab she was always there for me. The first night she came to my house just to give me a hug and pray with me. She was extremely helpful in getting my home ready for my parents to stay with me.

Thank you and I love you, Lisa feels so hollow, but I mean those words with my whole heart! I can not truly express my love, gratitude and appreciation for this wonderful lady!

Lisa, happy 60th birthday! I want you to feel extra loved and celebrated for your milestone birthday! You are awesome and deserving of a fantastic birthday! May this be your best year of life yet!

Thank you for reading. Please leave a comment below with a birthday message for Lisa. I will make sure that she sees them! See you next time. 

Odie

Davy’s November 8th Update

Hey Friends,

This is Odie with another Davy Update. Please do not stop praying! The prayers are working! We still have a very long way to go. Below is an update from yesterday.

We have something to praise God for today. Dad’s kidney function numbers have improved slightly. The tube they inserted Wednesday afternoon is working to drain the kidney, helping eliminate the source of the infection. 

Also, they have targeted the specific bacteria that caused him to be septic and can target it with specific antibiotics. We are told it will be a two week treatment of these IV antibiotics.  They say at least 7 days of it in ICU, and we will see after that. 

They will proceed with stone removal after the infection is gone and he is strong enough for it. 

Dad is still not out of the woods and is still a very sick man. We are asking God for complete healing, including the damage from the stroke he suffered last December. 

One thing remains true and solid… The Goodness of our God and the blessing of great friends.   

God’s presence is here with Dad in an amazing way! There is obvious praise in His heart for our great God! One thing Dad knows for certain is, "He may not come when you want him, but he'll be there right on time"! We are trusting and believing in an always On Time God!

Uncle Steve and Aunt Karen and Bruce and Priscilla Mayhan have been some of the hands and feet of your prayers for us.  

So many of you continue to pour out your well wishes and prayers and offers to do anything in the world for us if we name it. You all are fantastic friends. We know everyone can not be here. It would not be good wisdom.

Brother Bruce, Uncle Steve, and their wives have helped us with the strongest support you could ever imagine for us. God has used them for you for our benefit. 

So thank you all immensely for your prayer and support!

Thank you for checking in for an update. 

Odie

Davy’s Thursday November 7th Update

Hey Friends,

This is Odie with another report on my Dad’s health. Thank you for your continued prayers and concern for our family! We could never say thank you enough!

Mom and I are incredibly thankful for every call, text or email that checks on us. I constantly try to call and text family and close friends with updates, but I'm sure I am not doing a good job keeping everyone in the loop.  

So far, I have been able to post one update a day on the blog. If you missed my previous post this week, please look back. Dad wrote a post on Monday requesting a prayer for himself. I have supplied updates for Tuesday and Wednesday.

Back at the hospital in Wichita, Kansas, Wednesday was a day full of activities. Dad remains in I.C.U. He is still very sick. The focus of yesterday was fighting the infection. 

The infection has caused Dad to be very confused. Yesterday, Mom and my Uncle sang and read scriptures in Dad’s room. There were moments when he was grabbing a hold of God. He knew that is where his help comes from.

There was a portion of time that Dad was able to get some rest. That was an answer to prayer! His body needs much more rest, but I'm thankful for every moment of real sleep he can get.

In the afternoon they did a procedure to insert a tube directly into his kidney. Hopefully, the source of the infection will drain out through it. I thank God for bringing him safely through the procedure it was very rough with some respiratory trauma but quickly got him into better breathing. 

They are continuing to treat him with strong I.V. antibiotics. We need the infection to clear up!

They have not yet been able to remove the large kidney stone causing the blockage because the infection is too bad. Hopefully, we will get more answers soon.

We need a miracle desperately! I would love to see God speak the word and all of the kidney stones and infection to disappear. also, for there to not be lasting damage to the kidneys.

We are praising God for every victory. Continuing to pray for complete healing and the help of the Lord. today, join me in praying for the doctors and nurses that are working hard attending to him. I pray for God to give them wisdom on how to give him the best treatment.

The Lord has given my Mom and I strength for each moment. Mom is a trooper. She is doing her best to stand by Dad’s side, devoted to his care.

We are 800 miles away from home in Wichita, KS but we  feel like we are at home because of all of the good support we have received.  I am thankful that Mom and I have not had to face this on our own. My Uncle Steve and Aunt Karen Boggs were here visiting in Wichita over the weekend. They extended their stay to be right by our sides. Their presence and help have been such a comfort to us! Some of our closest friends have also come to our aid in our time of need. Their friendship has been a great encouragement to us. We are definitely blessed!

See you next time with another update.

Odie

Another Year Living In The Goodness Of God

Hey Friends,

This is Odie reporting in from Oklahoma again this week. I have so enjoyed being with many wonderful friends.

This weekend, we are singing at the fellowship meeting at Bethany Holiness Church. It is always a pleasure to be with Pastor Darrell Toliver and the Bethany church family!

Monday marked the beginning of another year in my life. My family and friends overwhelmed me with love and kindness and made my birthday extra special. My birthday was definitely a happy one in 2024. 

The Lord has abundantly blessed me. For the last couple of years, my testimony song has been The Goodness of God. I have lived the words of this song all of my life. Every time I hear this song, it moves me to tears, thinking of the bountiful blessings that God has poured out upon my life. I would not be here without His goodness to me!

I have featured the song Goodness Of God in a previous post. My favorite group, The Isaacs, recently released the song too. Now I have a new favorite version! Today was a great day to feature The Isaacs singing my testimony.

Goodness Of God is available now, and a full worship project from the Isaacs releases next week. I am so excited to have new music from the Isaacs!

I hope you enjoyed the song too! My prayer is for all of us to remember God’s amazing goodness in our lives! Let us pause for a moment and praise God one more time!

Thanks for joining me today! I will see you next time. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Odie

More of Odie’s September Ohio Visit

Hey Friends,

This is Odie reporting in for this October Saturday. We are in Arkansas thru tomorrow. I hope you are having a great weekend. Thank you for stopping by to visit with me. 

I was able to spend a week at home. I shared my travel day to Ohio two weeks ago. Last week I posted about the wedding of Jonas and Kylee Boggs. Click here and here to see those posts. 

The wedding was the main reason I made the trip home. I was thrilled to be home for a week to see family and friends. Wheelchair issues and other things hindered some of my plans while there. But I am so glad for some great moments! I have some pictures to share with you today to wrap up my trip. 

My Aunt Theresa and Uncle Jay helped me so much while I was home. I appreciate them so very much!

Mamaw, Papaw and me. 

It was fabulous to see both sets of my grandparents. They both came to visit me and bring lunch to me! 

Gran and Papaw

Friday night I joined Uncle Steve and Aunt Karen's family at Papaw’s barn. We celebrate my cousin Isaac's 30th birthday. 

 

My beautiful girl JoJo! 

Arlo is getting so big. 

Papa Great and Baby Carson

Nana Great got her snuggles from Carson.

Steve and Karen’s 3 children, Isaac, Deidre and Victor

I was thrilled to love on Carson again. 

Carson was meeting all the family. Uncle Victor was a big hit. 

Enjoying family time on a beautiful Friday evening. 

Theo discovered his baby cousin Carson.

 

Carson, my handsome buddy boy!

 

Nap time for Theo. 

Papaw Steve and Theo. 

Theo is a growing boy. I love this little guy!

Aunt Emily and Carson. 

Alcapulco salsa, oh  it was delicious. 

It was great to have Alcapulco! Thanks to Papaw Eugene for making sure I had my Mexican food!

That concludes this trip home. I love my family! Thanks to everyone for helping me get where I needed to be and that I was well fed!

Congratulations Mr. And Mrs. Jonas And Kylee Boggs

Hey Friends,

This is Odie coming to you from Mississippi. I am happy to be able to spend some time this week and tomorrow with some of my favorite road family.

My time at home last week was for the wedding of my cousin Jonas. When Jonas and Kylee got engaged earlier this year, I decided to be home for their big day.

Their wedding date was September 21st, 2024. The festivities took place at our church, Dryden Road Pentecostal Church. I was thrilled to be there as Jonas and Kylee started their new life together.

It was a beautiful wedding celebration for the happy couple, and it was great to see lots of family and friends! Below are my pictures from the wedding day. My photos are from before the wedding and during the reception. For the ceremony, they requested that no pictures be taken except by the photographer. 

I hope you enjoy seeing the day through my camera lenses. Thank you for joining me for part of your day! I will see you next time!

Odie