Odie was born June 24, 1947, to George and Juanita Ellington McHann in West Point, Mississippi. He was an active member of Longview Baptist Church where he served as an ordained deacon. Odie was an electrician and worked with 4-County Electric Association for 15 years. He later retired from Mississippi State University where he worked in the Electrical Engineering Department managing the High Voltage laboratory. His most favorite “job” was when he and his wife, Lynda, owned Sessums Grocery. He absolutely loved visiting with the people who came in the store. Odie was a Mason and he also enjoyed attending Mississippi State football games. He dearly loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Odie is survived by his children: Richard (Tonya) McHann and Angie (Scott) Ruth all of Starkville; and Tammy (Shane) Orrick of Columbus, Mississippi. One of his greatest joys was being “Paw” to his seven grandchildren: Chris (Brittaney) McHann, Josh (Anniston) McHann, Jason (Cheyenne) Ruth, Erin Ruth, Jackson Ruth, Abby (Lane) Johnson, and Braden Orrick; as well as his seven great-grandchildren: Emery Rose, Braxton, Ryiot, Brayzleigh, Riggens, Grayson, and Cade. He also leaves behind his brother, Ronnie McHann (Sherri); his sister, Betty McGee; and two sisters-in-law, Antoinette McHann and Sara McHann; in addition to many loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Lynda Rogers McHann; his parents; and his siblings: Clayton McHann, Henry McHann, and Nancy McHann.
Serving as pallbearers are Chris McHann, Josh McHann, Jason Ruth, Jackson Ruth, Braden Orrick, and Lane Johnson. Memorials in honor of Odie may be given to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital online at stjude.org.
