Samuel O'Dell

Samuel O'Dell

Samuel O'Dell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 12, 2010.
Samuel R. O'Dell MORRISTOWN, Tenn. Dr. Samuel R. O'Dell, age 70, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 10, 2010. Dr. O'Dell was a professor of history widely appreciated for his scholarship and humor. He was a charter faculty member and division chair of Walters State Community College and was named professor emeritus following his retirement. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Herman and Lois Morton O'Dell; sister, Joanne Breazeale; and brother, Danny O'Dell. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Nancy; children, Judith O'Dell (Jeff) Woods of Franklin, Tenn., Samuel R. O'Dell Jr. of Athens, Ga., and Amy O'Dell (Bill) Trocchi of Tucker, Ga.; and five grandchildren, Rachel and Jack Woods, and Tyler, Will, and Mia Trocchi. The family will receive friends from 5 7 p.m. on Monday, April 12, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Gary Kelly officiating the service at 7. An 11 a.m. graveside service for family will follow on Tuesday at Shipley Cemetery in Bristol Tennessee. Memorials in Dr. O'Dell's name may be sent to First Presbyterian Church in Morristown; or Walters State Community College. Arrangements by Westside Chapel Funeral Home in Morristown.

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August 7, 2010

Melanie (Cinnamon) Ruiz posted to the memorial.

June 8, 2010

Dennis Talley posted to the memorial.

April 16, 2010

Tammy Wilder posted to the memorial.

Melanie (Cinnamon) Ruiz

August 7, 2010

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. O'Dell's passing. I had the honor of knowing him when I was a student at WSCC, and he was truly a kind, funny and warm-hearted person. His son, Sam, and I were friends - Sam, I am so sorry for your and your family's loss.

Dennis Talley

June 8, 2010

I had the honor of attending class with Dr. Odell and am thankful I did he always had such vigor and taught us as much about living life as he did about the subject matter of the class we were taking. He will be missed by many

Tammy Wilder

April 16, 2010

Dr. O'Dell was a true gentleman in the most professional way. His contributions to Walters State went above and beyond what any student would expect. The countless times he attended our women's basketball games to show his sincere support. He will be welcomed with open arms to rest in eternity. May God bless. Tammy Adams Wilder 1982-1984.

April 15, 2010

you are among the elite.

Norman Thomson

April 14, 2010

To the family of Dr. Samuel O'Dell: It is a tribute to a great educator that I read such nice tributes and memories from past students of Dr. O'Dell. And, to those in the family and as the major professor of Sam O'Dell, his wonderful son, I share in your sorrow but know that he will continue to live in you all - and that too is a testimony to a person whose life was giving and sharing. I share in your loss …

Patsy Berry

April 14, 2010

So sorry for your family's loss. I truly enjoyed the classes Dr. O'Dell taught me at WSCC 1987-89.

Larry A Derry

April 13, 2010

"Dr. Odell was a true professor in every way. I had him in the summer semesters and he was a true friend as well as an instructor beyond his means. He cared for his students and their ability to learn. He will be greatly missed. God Bless his family and friends. My prayers and thoughts are with his family."

Staci Gray

April 13, 2010

Dr. Odell was my professor while I attended Walter State, he was one of the finest men I know! He was a not only a professor but also a friend. He will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family!

April 13, 2010

Dr. O'Dell was my favorite teacher in college. He told some of the best jokes related to history, and made his classes memorable. I regret that I never tracked down Dr. O'Dell to tell him how much I thought about him and his teaching. His passing is a great loss.
Steve Wice
Roanoke, VA

David Lassiter

April 13, 2010

I am sorry for your loss. I had Dr. O'Dell as a history professor in 1973 at Walters State and remember him as a witty and effective teacher. God Bless!

Dale Nichols

April 13, 2010

Dr. Odell was a gentleman, scholar and a friend. He will be missed but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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August 7, 2010

Melanie (Cinnamon) Ruiz posted to the memorial.

June 8, 2010

Dennis Talley posted to the memorial.

April 16, 2010

Tammy Wilder posted to the memorial.