Odell was born November 23, 1931 in Benton County, Mississippi to the union of Willie and Sarah Gillum. Odell was the fourth child. Odell received his education at Grand Junction. Odell accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age and joined Hunts Chapel Church. Odell married Annie Lee on October 26, 1951. He enlisted into the U.S.Navy in 1951 and received an honorable discharge. Annie preceded Odell in death, he retired in 1982 and moved to Chicago. He joined Pilgrim Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Keith Gordon. He leaves to cherish his memories son, Gary (Muriel); daughters, Beverly(Kinny), Tersa, Denise; fifteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; brothers, Charles (Ann) and Herman (Val)sisters Bernice (Robert), Dell, Naddie, Lavern, Thelma and Daisy; special friend Joyce Warren, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Services:
Golden Gate Funeral Home
2036 W. 79th. St., Chicago, IL.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Visitation: 10AM
Funeral: 11AM
Interment: Memphis National Veterans Cemetery