Mr. Richard Frederick Odle, Jr. of Lexington, Tennessee passed away on January 25, 2016 at the age of 78. He was born on December 22, 1937 in Jackson, TN to Fred and Ruth (Threadgill) Odle, brother of David W. and Mary Frances (Odle) Cowan. He was married to Judy (Teague) Odle on December 2, 1979 in Lexington, Tennessee.
Richard was a graduate of the University of Mississippi and after college, he returned to Lexington to join his father and brother in the family car business, Odle Chevrolet/Olds. He was a lifelong farmer and outdoorsman, and spent much of his life farming in Henderson and Perry County. In 1985 Richard became owner and President of E.L. Thomas & Sons Concrete Products, (later Southern Concrete), where he was known as “Big O” for the remainder of his career. Mr. Odle was a National Guard member for 22 years before retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel. In addition, he was a member of numerous organizations and boards, including Hospital Chairman, Chamber of Commerce founding member and chairman, First Bank board member, and Community Bank board member. Richard was a patriot who believed in his country and paying taxes.
He was a lifelong resident of Lexington, and enjoyed hunting and fishing his entire life and spent spent many hours with his friends and family in the woods and taking trips. Richard was
a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church in Lexington and served in many leadership positions.
“Pops” is survived by his wife, Judy of Lexington; his four children, Vicki Odle of Sevierville, Rick (Kim) Odle of Lexington, Herron (Faire) Odle of Eads, and Leigh Ann (Jody) Vaughan of Brentwood; a brother, David (Jan) Odle of Lexington; a sister, Mary Frances (Gary) Cowan of Colorado Springs, CO; as well as seven grandchildren, Myles, Alex, Eve, Lucas, Addie, John Richard, and Joseph.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Thursday, January 28, 2016 at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Dr. Hoyt Wilson and Dr. Doug Norfleet officiating. Interment will follow in Lexington Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 5-9 PM at Pafford Funeral Home in Lexington.
The Odle family has requested that memorials be directed to: The First United Methodist Church of Lexington (27 E. Church St, Lexington, TN 38351) or the Carl Perkins Exchange Club (120 Rush St., Lexington, TN 38351)
