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Ode Burrell Obituary
Ode was born September 15, 1939 to the late Ode E. and Myrtice Burrell in Goodman, MS. He was an athlete from an early age excelling in football and track. He received a degree from Mississippi State University and played with the Houston Oilers from 1964-1969 as a tailback. He received many awards including Senior Bowl MVP, Liberty Bowl MVP, Blue-Gray Game MVP, Houston Oilers MVP 1967, Pro Bowl 1967, College All American to name a few. He coached at various schools Bogalusa High School, Holmes Community College, Vancleave High School, Stone County High School, St. Stanislaus High School and Gulf Coast Community College where he retired. He was a member of the MSU "M" Club, Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, Mississippi Coaches Association, Holmes Community College Hall of Fame, Mississippi State University Sports Hall of Fame, Mississippi Junior College Sports Hall of Fame, NFL Alumni Association.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ray Burrell; three sisters, Dot Hines, Matha Ainsworth and Mary Ellen Burrell.
He is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Shirley Burrell of Gautier, MS; a son, Jack Burrell and his wife, Patti of Fairhope, AL; a daughter, Beth Seymour and her husband, Steve of Kiln, MS; a sister, Carrie Ferguson of Durant, MS; four grandchildren, Summer Cuevas ( Lance), Hunter Seymour, Lauren Burrell and Jack Burrell Jr.; and a great granddaughter, Brooklyn Cuevas.
Visitation will be Wednesday, March 4, 2009, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula, MS with funeral service beginning at 1 p.m. Pastor Eddie Bradley will officiate the service and John Howard Patton, Jimmy Ray Everett, Hoyle Granger, Walter Swanzy, Don Edwards, John Allen Autry, Charlie Shaw, and Jerry Brock will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be all former team mates. Interment will follow at Serene Memorial Gardens in Escatawpa, MS.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in his memory be made to MS State Bulldog Club.
Those unable to attend may sign guest register online at www.obryantokeefe.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ode Burrell
Christi Giles
March 14, 2009
Hi, I would like to say that I am very sorry for your loss. It is a very sad experence to have this happen to a family member, and I know this feeling quite well for myself. I to have lost many family and friends. However, I have found comfort in these words, "Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". Hopefully you to can find comfort in these words as well. Once again I would like to express my sympathy.
Paul McCreary
March 9, 2009
Shirley & Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of loss. Coach Burrell was a very fine man.
Brenda & Martin Finnegan
March 8, 2009
Dear Shirley,
We were saddened to hear of Ode's death. You may not remember us, but we were at State when Ode was our wonderful quarterback in 1963 and 1964. (I worked at Ag Economics 3rd floor. We left Starkville after our son was born in 1964.) Have often thought of you and Ode, and heard later y'all were living in Vancleave. Our condolences to you and your family, and we are grateful to Ode for such fond memories of spectacular football afternoons at State.
Diane Roberts
March 7, 2009
Ms. Shirley,
Our family was so sorry to hear of Ode's passing. We were fortunate enough to work with Ode at Stone High School. When I was teaching there in the 80's Ode, me, and my parents, Pal (Coach) and Bettie Sue Roberts were all teaching on the South hall. My dad always called him "Odellus Burellus". Ode was a trip--we think of the many funny things he said and did. He will be sorely missed. I don't think we realized at the time what a "star" he had been in his earlier playing football days. My dad passed away last Sept. and I am sure he and Ode are catching up on fishing tales.
Rosa Lea Stuart
March 6, 2009
Mrs Shirley & Beth, I am so sorry to hear about his passing. I hate that I couldn't make it to the wake but wanted you to know I was thinking & praying for you & your family. At least he is in no more pain. God Bless.
Mary Branch Hewitt
March 6, 2009
My father, Audley Branch, made sure we visited our relatives when we were kids. As teenagers we had to go wherever Ode, Jr. was playing on Friday nights. I regret that time and miles have kept us from having the relationship our fathers knew and we knew as kids.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Peggy Ellington Howard
March 5, 2009
Shirley, every memory I have of Ode is a good one. What a special guy he was. As I told him not long ago, he was our STAR and Durant's most famous person. I knew I could say that and it wouldn't go to his head! There are a lot of fun memories, but when I think about Ode, I'll remember his natural athletic ability, his hard work that led to a professional football career, and -- best of all -- how after he became famous, he was still that same genuinely nice person. I know you'll miss him. Hang on to all your special memories.
Jimmy Dinkelacker
March 5, 2009
Mrs. Burrell & Family
I played under Coach Burrell at Holmes. It was an honor and privilge. May God be with each of you in your loss.
Bob Brister
March 4, 2009
Coach Burrell was coaching at Holmes when I played there in 74-76.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Larry Easterling
March 4, 2009
Ode had a great impact on me and my family!
Billy & Sharian Ainsworth
March 4, 2009
Shirley, Beth, and Jackie....God be with you at this time of sorrow but also rejoice in HIS LOVE and know that our God is with you all at this time. Wish Billy and I could be there for you but know we love you. Enjoyed seeing Jackie at Shorty's funeral but sad for the circumstances. Take care, God be with you and always cherrish the memories of a great man, father, and husband that he was. We love you.
Billy and Sharian Ainsworth
Greenwood, MS
Billy Brooks
March 4, 2009
He will always be remembered at MSU and HJC/HCC. Thanks for the memories.
Elton Wright
March 4, 2009
Shirley,
Our prayers go to you and your family in the loss of a husband, father and grandfather. May God bless you in the days ahead. I was at State from September, 1961-Dec. 1962 while you and Ode were there. I had a botany class with him. I knew you as a cheerleader while I was there. I ran track and cross country. I was from Kosciusko and married Lynn Alexander from Durant. We will miss a great person and good athlete. May God Bless You Richly.
Elton Wright
West, MS
Grace Harpole
March 4, 2009
Shirley,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Grace Kirk Harpole (Wilbur) and family
Joseph Lee
March 4, 2009
Beth, I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our prayers. Joe
Shirley Flowers
March 4, 2009
Ms. Shirley Flowers & Mrs. Beulah Flowers
Shirley Howard Strickland
March 4, 2009
Shirley and family, I was so sorry ro hear about Ode. He was such a vital part of our class. I wish you strength for today and comfort in the days ahead. He meant so much to so many.
Bobby Jones
March 4, 2009
Shirley, Beth, and Jackie. Bobby and I are very saddened to hear that Ode has passed away. Shirley, words will not come to properly express our feelings. You and Ode were such great pals at MSU. We shared many fond memories, and Bobby has always put Ode at the top of the list of great football players and great guys. Our lives are better for having known Ode. Please know that our prayers are that all of you will be comforted during this very sad time, and sorry that we cannot be there with you.
Nelda and Bobby
Casey Jones
March 4, 2009
Mrs. Shirley, Beth, Jackie, my heartfelt sympathy to you all. Coach Ode Burrell was Steve McQueen kind of cool. He was good to me and hundreds of others just like me , when he never had to be.Thank you Coach and Godspeed.
carla capers
March 4, 2009
Great man with great accomplishments.
Kelly Rachuba Roberts
March 4, 2009
Mrs. Burrell and family, Coach will be missed by those of us from Vancleave who had the pleasure of being his student. He was the first adult male outside of my family who told me that I could be anything I wanted to be. He changed my perspective and I will always be grateful for that. My prayers are with you.
Jim Barnes
March 4, 2009
My sympathies to the family. I played for Coach Burrell 3 years at Stone High. He was a good coach,friend and mentor and will never be forgotten. We have a lot of good stories and memories from back then that will be told for years. He was a good man and will be missed.
Cherie Mason
March 3, 2009
Mrs. Burrell,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Ode. It was an honor to care for him and to meet you and your family. I pray God holds you in His Hands during this difficult time. You and your family are in my prayers.
Love, Cherie Mason
Romona Sioux Pogue
March 3, 2009
My sister and I remember Ode as a small boy in grammer school in Durant, of all our friends, we loved Ode for always trying to be the best he could, and as we all know, he was the best from 1950,when we knew him,until now.Our daddy, Harry Townsend married Alberta Burrell in 1960, she was a Cain before that, we know alot of good people from Durant, but Ode was the best. Good memories never die, so Ode will live on in our heart. Just old classmates with love to all his memory. I am not sure if Ode every played the great Bear Bryant from UA here in Tuscaloosa, but if he did, I am sure they are talking over old games right now. It just don't get any better than that.Our love, Harriette and Romona Townsend Pogue
Stephen (buck) @ Kathy Buckheister
March 3, 2009
Shirley, we are sorry to hear about Ode, he was a great man,and we were honored to have had the chance to share in his friendship.
Stephen (buck) @ Kathy Buckheister
March 3, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time, as you greive the loss of a great man that we have had the pleasure of knowing.
Ben Cousins
March 3, 2009
My sincerest condolences to the Burrell family.I remember my friend Ode from our college days at HJC and MSU.I'm glad I had the opportunity to know one of the "Great Ones".
Lynn (Alexander) Wright
March 3, 2009
Shirley, We all enjoyed listening to the MSU games in the fall, but I had to hold all questions until the HALF to find out what Ode did that caused Dad to get so excited. May Our Lord hold you in His arms as you walk through the coming days, my friend. Our prayers are with all of you.
"Cat" Caffey
March 3, 2009
I remeber playing football with Ode at Holmes Community College. He was a great freind.
Ron Martin
March 3, 2009
I became a Miss. State fan listening to Jack Crystal describe the many talents of Ode Burrell and Hoyle Granger. Those were special days that I will never forget. I then became a huge Houston Oiler fan following the two in the AFL. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. I shall never forget Ode.
Felix Herring
March 3, 2009
To Odes family, I played ball with Ode at Holmes Jr in 1961. Great memories. Lived in Miami and saw him play against Miami in 1967. Went to the team hotel after the game and visited with him. We played one game when Ode scored 4 TDs, I think the shortest was 82 yds. God Bless
COACH AUBREY ROZZELL
March 3, 2009
WE WOULD LIKKE TO SEND OUR SYMPATHY AND LOVE TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF ODE.
I WAS ASSISTANT FOOTBALL COACH, ASSISTANT TRACK COACH AND HEAD BASE BALL COACH IN 1959 AND 1960.
I SCOUTED ODE HIS SENIOR YEAR AT DURANT HIGH SCHOOL AND KNEW AFTER WATCHING ONE HALF OF THIS FOOTBALL GAME THAT I WAS OBSERVING ONE OF THE GREATEST ATHLETES IN MISSISSIPPI.
I PREDICTED THAT ODE WOULD BECOME ONE OF THE GRATEST ATHLETES IN HIGH SCHOOL, JUNIOR COLLEGE AND SENIOR COLLEGE. I KNEW ALSO THAT . ODE HAD THE ABILITY TO PLAY WITH THE NFL...
OBE EXCELLED AT HOLMES JUNIOR COLLEGE WINNING THE 100 YD DASH, THE 220 DASH THE 440 YARD RELAY AS THE ANCHOR MAN, THE MILE RELAY AS THE ANCHOR MAND AND HE ALSO DID THE BROAD JUMP.
WHILE PLAYING FOR THE HOUSTON OILERS, HE WAS RECONIZED AS ONE OF THE GREATEST FOOTBALL PLAYERS THAT HAD EVER PLAYED IN TEXAS.
HE WAS KNOWN IN MISSISSIPPI,
HE WAS A LEDGEND, AND THE GREATEST RUNNING BACK TO COME OUT OF THE STATE OF MISSISIIPPI.
COACH AUBREY ROZZELL(FORMER COACH AND PERSONAL FRIEND)
michele campbell
March 3, 2009
We give our prayers and thought to the burrell family. Ode was a great guy. We enjoyed him down here at johns bayou marina. WE enjoyed it when he come down here and talk about the days of the great football stories he had to tell.. how interesting. he was great company to have around. He will be missed down here on the bayou. Everytime he came he was with mr. walter or his other buddy.
We will see you someday ode.
God bless you all..
GUY&MICHELE, MAGGIE CAMPBELL
calvin "rascal" smith
March 3, 2009
I had the privalege of being associated with Coach Burrell while i was in school at Holmes Jr.College. in the late 70's.he always had a smile,kind word and a good story to tell you.god bless him and his family.
Becky Henry- Tynes
March 3, 2009
Ode was one year ahead of me in school in Durant. I remember him as a friend to everyone...always smiling. He was a great guy and I pray for you, his family, that God will truly be your comfort & strength.
Larry Scales
March 3, 2009
May the Lord comfort you in this time of grief.
Lee Hedgepeth
March 3, 2009
One of my fondest memories was watching Ode beat Tenn in Knoxville a long time ago. God Bless you all.
Ora Clark
March 3, 2009
Mrs. Burrell & family, My son played at Stone High School while Coach Burrell was there. He was great with the guys & they had deep respect for him. I pray for God's comforting arms to surround your family.
In Christ Love
Ora N. Clark
Thomas Givens
March 3, 2009
Never met Ode personally, but he gave me much pleasure watching him play for the Oilers, and the recognition it gave Mississippi. However he also gave me a lot of grief, being an Ole Miss fan. God Bless him, his family and friends and be with them in this time of sadness.
Christi (Dickerson) Watkins
March 3, 2009
Shirley and family, I am sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories and let your faith get you through this sad time.
Judy Conner Palmer
March 3, 2009
Please accept my condolences for your loss.
Ellen Harrington Cotten
March 3, 2009
Beth,
I was so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. From experience I can tell you, Daddy's may leave this world but they never leave their daughter's hearts. You will be in my prayers. Give your Mom a hug for me.
Sharron Cauthen
March 3, 2009
To Shirley and family, My family and I are sad that we have lost one of our Durant circle, and we will recall with fondness the Durant days and the football games. Sometime our Durant gang should write for you some of our memories and Durant school stories. In these next weeks, we will keep you in our prayers. Love from all the Durant schoolmates, Sharron and family
randy martin
March 3, 2009
COACHED ME FOR 2 YEARS AT HOLMES, GOOD COACH COULD ALWAYS MAKE YOU SMILE AND LAUGH EVEN IN AUGUST HEAT,FOOTBALL WAS FUN WITH HIM AND WE WORKED HARD,I CONSIDER IT A HONOR TO HAVE BEEN COACHED BY HIM.HE NEVER FORGOT WHO I WAS 20 YEARS LATER!!!!
Jan (Neaves) Peacock
March 3, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. MSU will always honor you.
Jerry Streetman
March 3, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Jimmy Hodges
March 3, 2009
Shirley, Beth, Jackie
May the peace of God cover you during this time.
Becky (Branch) Usry
March 3, 2009
I will always remember fondly traveling with my dad, Ben Branch, Jr., to Durant to visit Ode, Sr. and how fiercely proud they both were of Ode, Jr.'s accomplishments, as well as his wonderful family. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Brad Murphy
March 3, 2009
My condolences and deepest sympathy go out to the family and friends of this great man. MSU football has truly lost an icon. May God bless all those touched by Ode Burrell and may his memory never dwindle. My many prayers are extended to you all during your period of grief, but may you bask in the glory of his life. Heaven just recruited a great running back for their football team and is now blessed with his presence. As a youngster Ode was one of my heroes and his memory will be something I will treasure forevermore.
Joan & Wayne Alford
March 3, 2009
Beth and family. We are praying for Gods healing, support, love and that He may give you strength. We love you and feel your pain. May God Bless you, each of you.
sandal dickhaut
March 3, 2009
Shirley and family, so sorrry to here about Mr. Burrell. I think about the times you both came to the house to see our little dogs, and also the times you both talk about them in my office. ( because you love them so) I pray that GOD will be with you
all until we're together again.
Shirley hold on to your memories
With Deepest Sympathy
Miles Patrick Nelson
March 3, 2009
Ode Burrell Jr was one of the first Mississippi State football players that I remember as a child growing up in the small town of Monticello with a radio to my ear on football gameday. May your family be comforted. Please know that your husband and father provided many great memories for lots of young kids. All of us thank you for sharing Ode Jr with us.
Ricky and Allison Manieri
March 3, 2009
Beth please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
MaryBelle Harvey
March 3, 2009
Mrs,Burrell and family, My deepest sympathy to all of you. In Christian love, MaryBelle Harvey and family
Mike Bishop
March 3, 2009
We are sorry to hear of Ode's passing. Eugene Bishop (3rd cousin-Pearl, MS) and Mike Bishop
Jimmy McBride
March 3, 2009
I'll always remember Uncle Ode and you growing up in Durant.
David & Kim Strong
March 3, 2009
Mrs. Shirley, Beth, Jackie and family: We have been thinking of you and praying for you daily. Please know how much we love and care about you and are so sad that you have lost someone so dear to your heart. Always hold on to all of your special memories. Your husband and dad was such a great person and he will always be remembered. With deepest sympathy and Love, David and Kim Strong
The Staff of O'Bryant-O'Keefe Funeral Home
March 3, 2009
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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