Mr. William Alfred Odell, age 75, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Monday morning, June 29, 2026, at his residence following an extended illness.
William was born February 18, 1951, in Hazlehurst, Georgia, to the late Charles Odell and the late Evelyn Frances Stapleton Odell. He was a quiet and reserved man, a devoted family man, wonderful husband, father, and provider. He was one of the original employees of Walmart Distribution Center #6010 in Douglas, Georgia, having been offered a job there while working for another company pouring the foundation for what would become the Walmart Distribution Center. He was a dedicated employee who made a career for more than thirty years operating a forklift. He was a role model to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, building things and could work on anything mechanical. William was an active member of Faith Mission Assembly of God. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers: Virgil Charles Odell, Larry Dewayne Odfell, Phillip Odell; as well as an infant sister.
William leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Bonnie Smith Odell of Douglas, Georgia; five children: Sherri Odell of Douglas, Georgia, Karen Odell of Fitzgerald, Georgia, William Charles Odell of Douglas, Shelby D. Martin and husband, Chris, of Douglas, Georgia, and Caleb Wayne DeVaul of Orlando, Florida; eight grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Ann O. Larney of Douglas, Georgia, and Pam O. Yockey of New York; a sister-in-law, Paulette S. Odell, of Douglas, Georgia; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members and friends.
A funeral service will be held in William’s honor at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Faith Mission Assembly of God church with Rev. Chris Martin, Rev. Marlin Smith, Rev. Lloyd Burkett, and Rev. Wayne DeVaul officiating. Mr. Odell will lie in state at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will include Virgil Larney, Wayne Fussell, Wade Fussell, Drake Martin, Brandon Burkett, and Joey Burkett. Honorary pallbearer will be Elijah Miller.
Condolences, kind words and fond memories may be shared with William’s family at www.ricketsonfuneralhome.com.
William’s arrangements have been entrusted to the kind and compassionate staff of Ricketson Funeral Home, Inc. of Douglas, Georgia.