O’Dell, Charles Robert

Charles (Charlie) Robert O’Dell, 82 of Blacksburg, (Prices Fork) died quite unexpectedly and peacefully at home on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017.

He was born in Charleston, West Virginia on Feb. 17, 1935 to the late Charles Clarence O’Dell and Marjorie Dawson O’Dell. He was preceded in death by his sister Carolyn O’Dell Tennant.

Charlie earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Berea College on 1957. He went on to earn his Master’s Degree in Horticulture from the University of Maryland in 1960. He was employed by the USDA before coming to Virginia Tech in 1968. Charlie retired a Professor Emeritus of Horticulture, Extension and Research, from Virginia Tech in 2001.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Wilmoth Curtis Rumbaugh O’Dell, his two daughters and son- in- law: Mary Jane and Amos Cordell, and Leah O’Dell Wilmoth, his five grandchildren: Jesicca Wilmoth Burgess (Mathew Burgess), Curtis Jack Lee, Meredith Jane Lee, Amanda Lee Wilmoth, and Abbagail Reide Wilmoth, and great granddaughter Lydia Grace Burgess.

Charlie was dedicated to his family, his work and the farmers with whom he worked. A man of deep and quiet faith, he was dedicated to his church, singing in the choir, and serving on the Creation Care Team. He loved Crow’s Nest Farm that he and Wilmoth founded in 1972. The name of the farm, (CROW), is a combination of their initials. He enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles, gardening, and camping with his wife.

A kind hearted, good natured man, he was admired by many for his ability to whistle with the birds. He was often heard, before he was seen. Always striving to make the world a better place, he willed his remains to medical science.

The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017 at the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at the reception immediately following the service.

In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Berea College, Department of College Relations, P.O. 2216, Berea, Kentucky 40404.