James Elliott O’Dell, 87, of Greenwood, Arkansas died Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith. He was born July 9, 1935 in Paragould, Arkansas to the late Augustus and Leta O’Dell. He was raised by his step-mother, Lucy O’Dell. James retired after 22 years as a Master Sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps serving during the Vietnam War. He also retired from the Civil Service and later worked at Wal-Mart as a greeter. He was a member of Rock Creek Baptist Church in Mansfield.
He is survived by his wife, Constance “Connie” O’Dell; daughter, Virginia Johnson; two grandchildren, Ashely Smith and husband, Richard and Brian Johnson; three great grandchildren, Greyson, James and Ella Smith; nephew, Michael Traver and wife, Cheri and other friends and relatives. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Hully.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Friday, June 30 at McConnell Funeral Home Chapel in Greenwood with burial with military honors at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Viewing will be Thursday from 1 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will visit with friends from 6 – 7 p.m.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
