O’Dell Martin passed in peace Monday, October 25th, 2021 at the age of 82, surrounded by family at his home in High Springs, FL. O’Dell was born in Tremont, Mississippi on May 22nd, 1939 to Lester and Glatus Martin.
Preceded in death by his parents; O’Dell is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda Faye (Venz); sister, Judy (Rev. Robert Fuller); brother, Donald Martin; son, Michael (Anja Konsolke); daughter, Michele (Les Smoot); grandchildren, Timothy Martin, Sarah Townley, Emily Martin, Jeb Smoot, Callie Smoot, and Olivia Smoot.
O’Dell was retired from NASCO Welding Supply, a member of the First United Methodist Church in High Springs Florida, a chorister in the Gainesville Master Chorale, and a veteran of the United States Marine Corp. Known as “Big Daddy” by family, he was passionate and inspirational in every aspect of his life. He valued God and family above all and loved spending time with family and friends playing games, enjoying the beach, and attending his garden. He will be forever remembered as a loving husband, brother, father, “Big Daddy” to his grandchildren, and friend – a family man who had great energy and enthusiasm for life. A man of principle who had a gift of being able to connect with people. O’Dell’s passing leaves a void in the lives of those who knew him; his wisdom, compassion and humor enriched all of our lives.
The family will receive friends at Brown Service Funeral Home, 1300 4th Ave N, in Bessemer, AL from 5:00-7:00 pm Monday, November 1st. Graveside services will be held at Elmwood Cemetery, 600 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Birmingham, AL on Tuesday, November 2nd at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the First United Methodist Church, 17495 NW US Hwy 441, High Springs, Florida, 32643, (www.fumchighsprings.com) may be made in memory of O’Dell Martin.
