Arthur E. O'Dell

Gene O’Dell passed away unexpectedly on December 28, 2020. Born in 1938 in Baltimore, Maryland, he was raised by his mother Christina and had the opportunity to attend McDonogh School. Gene went on to attend Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA. and had a rich and varied career working with the Social Security Administration, the Department of Transportation, and other successful endeavors.

His passion for Barbershop Quartet singing, and his dedication to the SPEBSQSA organization started when Gene was very young. His barbershop activities included several trips abroad with the USO, countless competitions, and singing with and directing numerous quartets and choruses throughout his life. He shared his love of singing with his church choir and enjoyed friendship and fellowship with his local church body. He was a life-long tennis player and baseball fan. Gene was also an avid reader, constantly having a book in his lap, most likely one of the latest spy or detective novels of the day. He had an entertaining wit and never failed to have a quick joke at the ready. Gene spent many hours volunteering, tutoring and mentoring young children, helping them to read and find value in themselves.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 43 1/2 years, Edie O’Dell. They were married in June of 1977 and she was devoted to him through each day of their lives. They started life together in Catonsville, MD, later moving to Florida and then on to Signal Mountain, TN. Gene also leaves behind son, Kevin O’Dell, of Jacksonville, FL, daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Barry Doyle of St. Augustine, FL , and daughter and son-in-law, Katie and Jeff McFarlane of Signal Mountain, TN, and was loved as “Papa” by their 4 children; Kai, Jake, Addie, and Judah. He loved his family deeply and spent as much time with them as he could. He also leaves behind many dear friends, associates, and acquaintances he touched through his 82 years of life. Gene will be missed dearly, and moments he stored up with his family and friends will be remembered and cherished until we see him again.

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com