Odell Morgan, Jr.

Obituary

Odell Morgan Jr. was the fourth child born to Mr. Odell Morgan Sr. and Mrs. Lue Berda Boyd Morgan on January 17, 1956, in Ripley, Tennessee. He was a loving and respectful child, best known for his comical wit and humorous nature.

Odell Jr. gave his life to Christ at a young age at the family church, Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Pillow, Tennessee. At Oak Grove, he was active in Sunday School, Baptist Training Union (BTU), and the Children’s Choir. As a teenager, he trained and served as a Junior Deacon.

He was educated in the Lauderdale County School System and graduated from Ripley High School in 1974. After graduation, he enrolled at Memphis State University—now the University of Memphis—where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising, graduating with honors. While at MSU, he became a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., earning the title of “Mr. Sigma.” Upon completing his degree, Odell Jr. worked for the Shaw Group, an advertising agency, where he served as Account Manager for WDIA Radio, one of the first radio stations in the United States to feature all-Black programming.

In 1985, Odell Jr. relocated to Dallas, Texas, where he worked for American Express and ARCO. In 1993, he discovered his true calling as an educator with the Dallas Independent School District. Throughout his career, he served as a mentor, comforter, and inspiration to students and colleagues alike. He was known for challenging students to strive for excellence and success. During his teaching career, two of his students received recognition for literary accomplishments, earning trips to San Antonio and Austin, Texas.

Odell remained grounded in his Christian upbringing, joining Faithful Missionary Baptist Church, where he served on the Usher Board and in the Male Chorus. He later united with The Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Chris Parker, where he served as Deacon.

Odell’s earthly journey ended at Baylor Hospital after months of declining health. He fought a brave and courageous fight. Answering the call of the Lord, he departed his earthly home and entered his Heavenly home on November 12, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents and his brother, Graylon K. Morgan. His precious memories, infectious humor, and enduring love will be cherished by his four sisters: Brenda Morgan, Kathyrne Morgan, Quinnette Morgan, and Kenyatta Morgan; his sister-in-law, Sarah L. Morgan of Nashville, Tennessee; his youngest brother, Orlando (Katrice) Morgan of Knoxville, Tennessee; three nephews: Jason (Nakia) Hubbard of Solon, Ohio, Patrick Morgan of Nashville, Tennessee, and Brandon Morgan of Knoxville, Tennessee; two beloved nieces: Natashia (Maurice) Matthews and Jasmine Morgan, both of Nashville, Tennessee; five great-nephews: Justice and Jonathan Hubbard of Solon, Ohio, and Sir Andreus, Joshua, and Alex Matthews of Nashville, Tennessee; his lovingly devoted companion and caregiver, Lena Williams; his loving and supportive cousins, Staffon and Karen Morgan of Grand Prairie, TX ; two aunts: Linda Harmon of Lexington, Tennessee, and Eva Hines of Nashville, Tennessee; and a host of cousins, colleagues, former students, and friends.