Douglas A. Odell

Honoring Memories of Douglas Allan Odell May 6, 1930 to January 5, 2022 Beloved son of Homer Chauncey Odell and Gladys Bretsch Odell Loving Husband of Martha Rhea Fuller Odell (11-20-2010) Father of Karen Martha Odell (Knoxville, TN), Dr. Sharon M. Odell and John D. Crisp (Kennesaw, GA) Grandfather ofMatthew Odell Clark and Jainie Ehrenzeller Clark (Noblesville, IN), Melinda Rae (Clark) Hite and Jacob Hite (Spring, TX), Lauren Odell Crisp and Evan Crisp (Phoenix, AZ) and Samuel Douglas Crisp (Kennesaw, GA) Great Grandfather of Ethan Odell Clark, Noah Clark, Cooper Hite, Paxton Hite, and Theo Hite May 6, 1930 Born in Hartford, CT 1948 Graduated from Springfield Technical High School in Springfield, MA. 1952 Graduated with BS in Biology from Purdue University and ROTC – USMC 1954 US Marine Corp 1st Lieutenant July 24, 1954 Married Martha Rhea Fuller Odell January 5, 2022 Deceased in Knoxville, TN   A deeply faithful servant of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Doug cherished his family, local community, and country, often quietly providing for others in need. An avid reader, he constantly challenged himself to learn more across a variety of topics. Doug led an exciting work life as a Student Photographer for Purdue University Visual Aides Department; Photo-chemist with Ansco in Binghamton, NY; Photo-chemist/ analyst at Patrick Air Force Base (known now as NASA), 25 years as a Systems Analyst overseeing development/manufacture of computer chips with IBM in Fishkill, NY; serving as Liaison between TN Small Business Association and the State of TN to develop a Computer-Technical Program for recent high school graduates which today is known as Pellissippi State Community College – Computer Information Technology Career Program.   Doug led an active lifestyle of constantly giving to his community. As a life long Mason and Scottish Rite Freemason, Doug served as a leader for DeMolay and obtained his private pilot license to quickly help transport children in need to Shriners Hospitals for Children.   In the early 1960’s Doug and Martha purchased property on Lake Glenville, NC with a long-term goal of providing a special vacation place for the Odell family to gather and enjoy. Time spent at our beloved Lake Glenville log cabin provides cherished memories for all.   As a founding member of Friends of Lake Glenville (FLG), Doug was determined to preserve and protect the water, land, and history of the Lake Glenville Community. He served many years on the FLG Board and was instrumental in shaping FLG’s core mission: to preserve, protect, educate and advocate for the continued beauty, integrity, safety, and survival of Lake Glenville. A key project took over 10 years to ensure the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) 40-year re-licensing of the (Duke Energy) West Fork Tuckasegee River Electrical Power Generator protected Lake Glenville’s environment for future generations, ensured public access to ADA beach, fishing pier and boat ramp while protecting land owner rights. Doug was often seen testing inflow streams for healthy animal/plant life and lake water sedimentation/turbidity/quality with other FLG Water Quality Team members. Recently, Doug was thrilled to learn of FLG’s goal to develop a “Watershed Management Plan” to continue the important work started by the original FLG Water Quality Team.   Doug was an active member of Cokesbury Church Knoxville, TN; Cashiers United Methodist Church; Glenville Masonic Lodge, and the Glenville Area Historical Society.   As a Volunteer Puppy Raiser for Canine Companions for Independence, Doug helped raise pups that today continue to make a difference in other’s lives. Morris V is an ATD Certified Therapy Dog focused on reading with special children. Gibbs III is working as a “mentor” to young pups and inmates at Hardeman Prison, TN. Street is a Certified Therapy Dog and “future mentor” to an 8-week-old pup in Wisconsin.   Doug’s daily mission was to ensure each person he met, left their conversation with a brighter outlook on life. His detailed stories were a gift into how he viewed life and the importance of living a God Centered life focused on a making a difference for others.   At Doug’s request, we will not be hosting a public Celebration of Life but we look forward to a private family gathering. In honor of Doug, we are compiling memories to share with his treasured grand and greatgrandchildren to help them understand the importance of making a positive impact on others.   If you would like to share a memory with us, please mail or email us at: Doug Odell Family c/o Karen Odell 9816 Bluegrass Road Knoxville, TN 37922 KodellRDN@gmail.com   If Doug touched your life, please consider making a tribute in his memory to your favorite charity or one of his cherished organizations: Cokesbury Church; Knoxville, TN: Susannah’s House https://www.cokesbury.tv/impactcity/ Friends of Lake Glenville, NC: FLG-Water Quality Testing Program https://friendsoflakeglenville.com/ Canine Companions for Independence: SER-South East Region https://canine.org/