The Rev. Dr. George Edwin Odle

The Rev. Dr. George Edwin Odle, 77, died on Monday, April 29, 2024.

George was born in Nickelsville, Virginia on November 29, 1946, the son of Jack and Clara Tiller Odle. He grew up relatively poor on the family farm.

During his lifetime, Dr. Odle was a farmer, a high school basketball player, a teacher, a factory worker, a church camp lifeguard, a YMCA youth director, a pastor, a licensed auctioneer, a personal property appraiser, and a capitol funds development consultant.

George enjoyed many things including: the Atlanta Braves, the Tennessee Volunteers, the East Tennessee State Buccaneers, and all sports in general. Bluegrass gospel music, interacting on Facebook, traveling, woodcarving, antiques, and auctioneering were also among his favorite activities. Above all, being a United Methodist pastor and a capitol funds consultant allowed him to do what he loved, which was interacting with people. His big smile and humorous nature expressed how much he loved people. 

George had a heart, especially for the least, last, marginalized, and discriminated against. He gave voice to the voiceless and advocated for them. He was never afraid to stand up, speak up, and advocate for the people who were getting “the short end of the stick”, even if it meant doing it alone. His worldview was shaped by childhood poverty and seminary training in the days of the Civil Rights Movement in the south.

Dr. Odle had academic degrees from East Tennessee State University, Emory University, the University of the South, and Vanderbilt University. For 25 years, he was a licensed auctioneer, a personal property manager, he owned and operated O K Auction Services, and helped churches and other organizations raise thousands of dollars for building and missional purposes.

For 30 years, George pastored churches, largely in the Tri-Cities area, and was proudly thankful for their growth and ministries. He served as a United Methodist clergyman since 1966, for almost 58 years. He served 8 years in the Holston Annual Conference as the Conference Minutes Secretary; 8 years as Chair of Higher Education; 8 years on the College Trustees Boards of Emory & Henry College, Hiwassee College, and Tennessee Wesleyan University; and 6 years with the Wesley Foundations, Conference Board of Trustees, and as Conference Representative on the Lake Junaluska Advisory Board.

He was a Freemason. He was raised a Master Mason in 1968, in Fidelity Lodge in Nickelsville, by his father Third Ruffian and Master Bro. Jack Odle, DDGM, in his third degree. He was a Past Master of Johnson City Masonic Lodge, Past High Priest, Past Illustrious Master, Past Knights Templar Commander. Years later, George became a member of Fidelity Lodge #173 AF & AM in Nickelsville. There he was recognized as a 50-year Masonic Veteran. He served as a Chaplain and on the Directors Staff of the Jericho Shrine Temple.

During the years 2000 to 2003, George was a Field Representative and Financial Director with the General Board of Global Ministries. He and his colleagues later formed the Church Stewardship Consultants, LLC.

Dr. Odle loved to travel. He visited Alaska 3 times, 46 states of the United States, Canada 5 times, all the Western European countries, England, and West Germany twice.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include: his wife, Kimberly; one brother, Billy (Carol); four nephews, Anthony (Karen), Chris Odle, Spencer Begley, and Dalton DeBusk; two nieces, Carla DeBusk and Carly DeBusk; two stepsons, Wayne (Ashley) and Bradley Stanton; and numerous cousins.

A visitation service for family and friends is scheduled for 3:00 PM till 5:00 PM on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Gray United Methodist Church in Gray, Tennessee. The funeral service for Dr. Odle will begin promptly at 5:00 PM following the visitation. Pastor Aaron Atchley will be officiating the services.

An entombment service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Washington County Memory Gardens. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the Mausoleum Chapel no later than 12:50 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Rev. Dr. George Odle to: Gray United Methodist Church at www.grayumc.org/give , Shades of Grace United Methodist Church at www.shadesofgracekingsport.org , or to Shriners Children's Hospital at www.donate.lovetotherescue.org . 

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Rev. Dr. George E. Odle. 423-282-1521.