James Ted Odell

James Theodore “Ted” Odell was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina to Laura and Lt. Colonel George Odell. Shortly afterwards, the family returned to Laura’s hometown of Atlanta where they were active in the community. Ted joined the Boy Scouts and sang with the Atlanta Boys’ Choir.

Mr. Odell enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War and served with the “Black Aces” fighter squadron aboard the Independence before initiating training with underwater demolition teams. Unfortunately, his naval career was cut short as he made the difficult decision to return stateside to help care for his mother who had been admitted to hospice.

Mr. Odell majored in Business and Information Technology at West Georgia College. He later attended Luther Rice Seminary and New Orleans’s Theological Seminary receiving a Master’s Certificate in Pastoral Counseling. Mr. Odell took an early retirement from General Electric to work at Sprint but is best remembered for his volunteer work as RA (Royal Ambassador) Director for the 102 churches of the Noonday Baptist Association. During this time, he established a private RA camp for the RA’s of Roswell Street Baptist Church and organized intramural sports teams for RA’s and underprivileged youth in Cobb County. Throughout his life he was an active member and participated in mission outreach projects through several churches including Roswell Street Baptist Church, NorthStar Church, Dogwood Church and Burnt Hickory Baptist.

Mr. Odell’s dream of seeing his beloved Falcons in the Superbowl was realized before his death.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa Mary Odell; son, Brian O’Dell; daughter, Amy Davis; three step-daughters: Becky Godbee, Julia Scott, and Joy Goodenough; 9 grandchildren; sister-in-law, Janet Milton; and Cousin Jane Young.

Funeral Services will be held 12pm Saturday, February 25th at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church with Pastor Mike Stephens officiating. He will lie in state at the church 1 hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will follow at Kennesaw Memorial Park Cemetery in Marietta with Pastor Keith Moore officiating. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5pm until 8pm at West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta. Online guest book @ www.westcobbfuneralhome.com .