Obituary of Odell Freeman

Odell Freeman, 97, of Niles, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Friday, July 6, 2018.

Odell was born in Tupelo Mississippi on April 4, 1921, to the late Buster W. and Edith (Pierce) Freeman.

In October of 1942, he joined the United States Army and proudly served his country for four years during WWII. He married the former Olivia Taylor in Niles on November 8, 1946. To that union, four children were born. Odell retired from AM General after many years of service.  In his younger years, Odell was a boxer and a baseball player.  Odell enjoyed hunting and fishing and had a love of music. He had a great sense of humor and was always ready with a quick one-liner or joke.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Olivia Freeman; brothers, Buford Freeman and Wilson Freeman; sister, Flossie Chavous.

Odell is survived by his children, Sylvia Henry of Niles, Douglas Freeman Sr. of Niles, Gregory Freeman of New York and Tracee Freeman of Niles; six grandchildren, Temple, Doug Jr, Timmy, Rick, Kevin and Ahmad; thirteen great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; honorary sons, David Freeman,  Leonard Cooper and Don Cross; sisters-in-law, Susie Sturges and Hortense Taylor and special cousin Edward (Julia) Taylor.

A Home Going service will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, July 14, 2018. At the Franklin AME Church, 811 Sycamore St, Niles with a time of visitation beginning one hour prior. Military honors will be conducted by the United States Army at the conclusion of the service. A private burial will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.