Russell Byron Odell, age 81, passed away Friday, April 25, 2025 while he was surrounded by his loving family.

Russ was born in Providence, Rhode Island to the late Russell F. Odell and Virginia Churchill Odell. He proudly served in the United States Army in the 101st Airborne.

A devout Christian, Russ was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and a Sunday School teacher. He had a great love for the Lord as well as a great love for others. Through this devotion, Russ would travel throughout the country as a missionary telling others about Christ.

When he wasn't serving Christ and others, Russ could be found at home raising chickens and pigeons. Russ always said his "greatest achievement was his family."

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Mary, Sue, and Dot; and brother, Bobby.

Russ is survived by his wife of 60 years, Barbara Odell; four children, James Russell Odell of Hayesville, Karen Lynn Wilson of Cherokee, Virginia Williamson (Jonathan) of Franklin, and Jesse Odell (Emma) of Otto; seven grandchildren; and five great grandchildren with one more on the way. He is also survived by his siblings, Carol Odell of Mexico, Donald Hall of New Orleans, Fred Odell, Linda Wilson, Steven Odell, and Lori Dolan, all of Rhode Island, and Jim Odell of New Mexico; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 10-2:00 PM Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. A celebration of Russ' life will follow at 2 in the church with Pastor Doug Watkins and Pastor Josh Brooks officiating. Interment will be private in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Men's Challenge of the Smokies or to No Wrong Door for Support and Recovery.

Online Condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.