Odell Myles Sr.

Odell Myles Sr. was born to the late Angeline and Rev. Daniel Myles on June 16th 1942, in Woodville, MS.  He was one of eleven siblings and known to his family as ‘Bobby’ and had a captivating smile like no other. 

At an early age, Odell was baptized in the pond near Holly Grove Church in Mississippi and through his adult life had a relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ.  Odell loved his family; his brothers were his best friends, and his sisters were his go-to listeners.

After moving from Houston and relocating to Longview in 1976, a few years later he met his soulmate Joyce, and they’ve been married and inseparable for 42 years.  They lived life to its fullest and enjoyed one another.

Odell worked for several companies throughout his lifetime, his last employer was Eastman Chemical Company for 21 years.  Odell was a dedicated and highly skilled Hydraulic Engineer and his work ethic spoke for him.  Odell and Joyce decided to retire together and call it ‘quits’ December 31, 2001.  After retirement they set sail to travel abroad and from coast to coast, exploring the USA with family and friends.

Odell loved his church, his Pastor, and was a faithful member who served on the Usher Board at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church until his health start declining.  He was a quiet, humble man and was aging gracefully, with little to say, but would flash a smile with a nod, when you were in his presence.  His sister Eloise loved coming to town taking him for walks to build his strength, even when he felt weary, she didn’t give up.

He loved cooking, going fishing with his son on his boat, playing card games that brought laughter, enjoyed spending time with his family at reunions on ‘THE HILL’ in Mississippi and was the King of Dominos.  If you thought you could beat him, that is exactly what it was, a thought! He has numerous trophies to prove it!  He held a special place in many hearts, a father that was a great provider and an uncle that was adored.

Early Tuesday morning, two days after his 82nd birthday, Odell entered eternal rest.

He leaves to cherish his lifetime memories, a devoted wife Joyce Myles; 3 children, Odell Myles Jr. (Yolanda), Michelle Walker, LaRhonya Knight; 6 grandchildren, Erica Walker-Lewis, Monique Walker, Ariel Knight-Murphy, KeShawn Bolt, James Williams, Kennedi Durham; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 brothers, Robert Myles (Millie), Ralph Myles (Patricia), Joseph Myles; 3 sisters, Gloria Recasner, Aldrema Foster, Brenda Myles; brothers-in-law, Charlie Hamilton, Arthur Hamilton (Kim); sisters-in-law, Willie Mae Jackson, Betty Myles, Alice Wilburn, Geraldine Maxson; one last living aunt Rosie Shields; a dedicated niece Carol Morris and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Odell Myles Sr., please visit our floral store.