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Clarence Lafayette O’Dell

May 10, 1932 - October 23, 2021
Visitation
Reedy Fork Baptist Church
459 Reedy Fork Rd.
Greenville, SC 29605
Friday 11/5, 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm
Service
Reedy Fork Baptist Church
459 Reedy Fork Rd.
Greenville, SC 29605
Friday 11/5, 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Greenville Memorial Gardens
7784 Augusta Road
Piedmont, South Carolina 29673
Friday 11/5

Clarence Lafayette O’Dell, Jr., 89, devoted husband of Betty O’Dell, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 23, 2021.

Born in Easley, SC, he was a son of the late Clarence and Corrie Kelly O’Dell.

He and Betty met while Betty was in high school. Bud would drive his hot rod up to the school and flirt with Betty. He did this until she agreed to date him. True love won and they were married in February 1954. Shortly after getting married, they started their family. They loved to travel and went to 46 of the 50 states in the US.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, driving ammunition and supplies to the front lines.

Bud was a selfless, giving, Christian man who was a member of Reedy Fork Baptist Church. He loved seeing life continue on with his children and grandchildren. He was the world’s best son, brother, husband, daddy, PaPa, and Papaw, and friend. He enjoyed camping, especially at Elijah Clark State Park. Bud was a hard worker, making Adirondack chairs in his shop. He retired from Winn Dixie after 33 years of dedicated service. He was a Master of the Royal Secret of the 32nd degree of the ancient and accepted Scottish Rite as a Shriner with the Empire Lodge #213.

His legacy will continue on in the hearts of his loving wife of 67 years, Betty; two wonderful children, Donna Hawthorne and husband, Ben, Jeremy O’Dell and wife, Jenny, daughter-in-law, Julie O’Dell; seven adoring grandchildren, Ashley Caldwell (Matt), Brad Byars (Crystal), Tyler O’Dell, Maggie, John, Lily, and Tommy O’Dell; eight great grandchildren, Ryan, Benji, Caribeth, Emma Culbertson, Braelyn and Brody Byars, Jill Caldwell, Christopher Aldamuy; sister-in-law, Linda Gable (Jerry); and his beloved cat, Tom.

In addition to his parents, Bud was reunited in Heaven with his son, John O’Dell; siblings, Rebecca Lesley and husband, Earl, Katherine Freeman and husband, John, Mary Robins and husband, Joe, June Jones and husband, Ray.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 5, 2021, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. at Reedy Fork Baptist Church with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in Greenville Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made in Bud’s memory to Reedy Fork Baptist Church, 459 Reedy Fork Rd., Greenville, SC 29605.

Condolences and your favorite memories of Clarence may be shared with the family by clicking the “leave a message, share a memory” button on the main obituary page.

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Visitation
Reedy Fork Baptist Church
459 Reedy Fork Rd.
Greenville, SC 29605
Map
Friday 11/5, 12:30 pm - 1:45 pm
Service
Reedy Fork Baptist Church
459 Reedy Fork Rd.
Greenville, SC 29605
Map
Friday 11/5, 2:00 pm
Cemetery
Greenville Memorial Gardens
7784 Augusta Road
Piedmont, South Carolina 29673
Map
Friday 11/5

Clarence Lafayette O’Dell, Jr., 89, devoted husband of Betty O’Dell, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, October 23, 2021. Born in Easley, SC, he was a son of the late Clarence and Corrie Kelly O’Dell. He and Betty met while Betty was in high school. Bud would drive his hot rodContinue Reading

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Elaine Loucks left a message on November 7, 2021:
Betty, just want you to know how sorry I am for your loss of Bud. Sorry I didn't know the details so I could come to his service, but know that I'm praying for you and the family. I'm just a phone call away if I can do anything for you! I know how hard it's gonna be without him, but just trust the Lord to give you the strength, comfort and peace you need.
Sherri S Atwood left a message on November 7, 2021:
When I was young, Bud O'dell seemed larger than life. As I grew up, he still seemed larger than life. Bud knew me my whole life and I am blessed to have grown up with him and Betty in my life. Bud loved me and my sisters and brother and was always ready with a joke or a hug. Bud gave the best hugs. Bud and Betty and their family were always at our house on Christmas morning for as long as I can remember. Bud will still be there, but now, he will be watching over us and enjoying Christmas morning and celebrating Jesus' birthday with Jesus. We will miss his laughter and his larger than life presents, but he will forever be in our hearts and in our thoughts. We love you always!
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Jill Blanton left a message on November 5, 2021:
My deepest sympathies to each of the family members. I will miss my Uncle Bud. He was always so sweet to me. Always smiling and he gave great hugs. He was my mother's "Brother Bud" and was so dear to his family. He will surely be missed!
Rebecca and Ash left a message on November 5, 2021:
Thinking of you all during this time.
Mary Gray left a message on November 5, 2021:
Praying you can feel the arms of Jesus around you and that He gives you comfort now and in the days ahead! Love you
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Louann Swink left a message on November 4, 2021:
This man, Clarence "Bud" O'Dell, has been a man to look up to my entire life. The things about him that stand out to me. Bud was the hardest working man I have ever known. He worked hard to give his family the best. The best for his wife, Betty, of 67 yrs, his daddy's girl, Donna, his son whom we all miss so much, John, and his talented youngest son, Jeremy. Yes, Bud worked a full-time job driving for Winn Dixie but he always had side jobs; repairing and selling appliances. He and Betty ran their greenhouse for years, and raised birds. He spent many years wood working and selling awesome items. All this he did to be productive and for his family. Bud was our hero for serving his country! Bud, Betty and the family spent many Christmas mornings with my family and we camped together in the summers. We love them so much and they are family. Bud showed his love of Christ through his gentle nature and his amazing love for his family including all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He also showed the same love to my siblings, our children and grandchildren. Bud, you will always be loved and remembered until we meet again. I love you. You are my hero!
Jack and Gwen Pierce left a message on November 4, 2021:
So sorry for your loss, we went to the life center with Bud, along with Phil and Glenda Hughes, we enjoyed our friendship. Prayers! Jack and Gwen Pierce
Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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