CULLMAN, Ala. – Former Cullman County Sheriff George Wendell Roden, 88, passed away Dec. 27, 2024. His funeral was held Dec. 30, with many local law enforcement and other departments turning out to pay their respects.
On Dec. 31, the Wallace State Police Department posted to social media, “Yesterday, officers from the Wallace State Police Department had the honor of joining the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office, ALEA, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and several of our local fire departments in the funeral of former Cullman County Sheriff Wendell Roden.”
Roden served as Cullman County sheriff from 1978-1990, after serving with the Cullman Police Department beginning in 1965. He was the second of four generations of law enforcement officers in the Roden family.
“He was an innovator and many things that make Cullman County law enforcement great started with him. Most importantly he loved his community and left an influence of community service that continues in many to this day,” read his obituary.
According to his obituary, “He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Mark Roden and Michael Roden; brothers-in-laws, Terry Gambrill, Clint Ellard, and Clifford Ellard. Survivors include his wife, Janice Roden; sons, Robert (Gwen) Roden, Tyler (Sonja) Roden and Jon (Candy) Roden; fourteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; sisters, Wynona Gambrill and Faye (Daryl) Hood.”
