Byron O'Dell Obituary

Byron Boyce O'Dell

July 16, 1929 -

May 1, 2025

JOHNSON CITY - Byron Boyce O'Dell, age 95, of Johnson City, Tennessee, was called home to be with the Lord, his Savior, on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Brookdale Assisted Living, Johnson City.

Byron was born July 16, 1929, in Atlanta, GA to the late George and Elizabeth O'Dell.

Byron attended school as a child in Atlanta, Georgia prior to entering both Emory University and UGA School of Pharmacy from which he graduated with a degree in Pharmacy. He attended many classes and even taught a few including some at Harvard and Yale. He valued education above all. Byron started his employment with his father as a butcher followed by several jobs as a pharmacist after graduation. His pursuits took him to employment with the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company as a Drug Representative leading into liaison position. Byron remained with Upjohn through the company's transition into Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company from which he retired. He dedicated his life to providing for his family.

While attending college at UGA in 1951, he met his lifelong love, Louise Blackburn. They married and enjoyed 63 years of memories and four children. The two of them traveled the world – several times – as well as many destinations both foreign and domestic. He was heard to say that when he retired, he was glad to be home, but Louise stated, "I really like to travel" and off they went! Sadly, Louise passed away in 2013.

Byron had many interests to fill his life including woodworking, travel, constant reading, fishing both in his boat and in his mountain pond. He tried to include all his children and grandchildren, when possible, in his hobbies.

The love he had for life, his family and his work were nourished by his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. No day passed in which he was not grateful for what his God has done for him. He was ordained as a deacon and he taught many Sunday School classes as members in church families in North Miami, FL, Waynesville, NC, St. Augustine, FL and Johnson City, TN.

Byron is preceded in death by his parents, George and Elizabeth O'Dell; his beloved wife, Louise Blackburn O'Dell; his daughter, Louann O'Dell; son-in-law, Dennis Mullen and grandson, Tony Mathews. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Joseph O'Dell, George O'Dell and Russell O'Dell as well as sisters Virginia Lambert and Margaret McMillian.

To cherish his memory, Byron is survived by his sons Byron (Bud) O'Dell, Jr. (Wilma), Tennessee, and David Campbell O'Dell, Florida, and his daughter Susan Mullen, Florida.

He also leaves numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, numerous nieces, and nephews.

Byron has gathered and leaves behind to cherish his memory many close friends, acquaintances, travel buddies, and caregivers. He has also left a very special sister-in-law, Carol O'Dell, friend, Ken Auer, who faithfully visited him every Thursday, and a friend and selfless caregiver to the family over the years, Gail Broyles.

Above all else it was his lifelong wish to live and share the gospel of Jesus Christ whose saving grace surpasses anything this earth had to offer. This belief was reflected and passed down as he waited to be called home to see his beloved wife and daughter again and rest in the arms of his Savior.

The family would like to express our appreciation to the Brookdale Assisted Living staff and team in Johnson City, Tennessee. Byron often expressed his gratitude for the care, love, and support you provided while a resident at Brookdale. In addition, we would like to thank the Amedisys Hospice team for the loving care and support they provided to Byron and family during his final days.

His service and burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Washington County Mausoleum on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 conducted by Pastor Rick Powell. Those who wish to attend may meet at the cemetery ay 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday.

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 3000, 801 Bamboo Road, Boone, NC 28607.