Odell Burks

Clinton Odell Burks, 91 of Pearl, Mississippi passed away in his home on March 25, 2026. He is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Linda Sue Burks, his parents Alvin and Pearl Burks, daughter, Jena Berrong, son James Burks, and granddaughter Tacia Winter.

He is survived by his son, Mike Burks, sister, Jeanette Gossett, granddaughters Leigh DeLaughter (Bill), Christi DeLaughter (Jim), LaQue Hegenaur (Kent), grandsons, Adam Burks (Danielle), Alex Lee (Samantha), great grandchildren, Daisy DeLaughter, Alex Suddeth, Emma & Lily Winter, and Bear Burks, and six nieces and nephews.

Odell was born near Philadelphia, Mississippi on September 26, 1934. Soon after his birth the family moved to Meridian, Mississippi, where he grew up and attended school, and lived until 1973. Odell had an incredible work ethic. He began working at the age of 12, and worked 2-3 jobs while attending high school. In the late 50s he began driving an 18-wheeler for Western Auto whom he drove for, for over 40 years, but continued driving trucks for a total of 59 years. In recent years he drove cars for several dealerships, including his last trip to the gulf coast and back this past December, just three months before his death!

He was a much beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many. Odell and Linda married in 1957 in Meridian and raised three children in Meridian and Jackson providing a private Christian education for all three. The family attended Sabbath School and church every Saturday as members of the Seventh-day Adventist Churches in Meridian and Jackson, where Odell also served as head deacon for a number of years.

The Burks home was for decades the headquarters for gatherings on holidays and family celebrations. Odell was loved by family, church members, neighbors, coworkers and many friends. His work ethic, integrity, honesty, generosity, and unselfish willingness to always lend a helping hand set an example and a standard for those who knew him.

Visitation will be held at Lakewood Funeral Home, 6011 Clinton Blvd, Jackson, Mississippi, on March 29, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at Lakewood Funeral Home on March 29, 2026, at 3:00 pm. Final resting place will be at Lakewood Memorial Park, 6000 Clinton Blvd., Jackson.