Dr. Gaddis O’Dell Denton

Gaddis O’Dell Denton

June 10, 1938 – July 20, 2026

Dr. Gaddis O’Dell Denton, 88, of Chickamauga, GA, passed away peacefully at the home of his son and daughter-in-law on Monday, July, 20th, 2026.

O’Dell was born on June 10th, 1938 in Chickamauga. He attended Gordon Lee High School and served in the United States Army Security Agency. He was a graduate of David Lipscomb College, UTC, Alabama Christian School of Religion, and Southern Christian University. He obtained 2 Master’s degrees and a Doctor of Ministry degree.

He served as Minister of the Burnette Chapel (Antioch, TN), Magby Gap (Trenton, GA), Chickamauga, GA, and Bryan Street (Rossville, GA) Churches of Christ. He was a member of the Rossville Church of Christ for nearly 50 years.

O’Dell worked for the State of Tennessee Probation and Parole division and served as Administrator of Greater Chattanooga Christian Services and Children’s Home. He was Founder and Director of the Christian Counseling Service with offices in Rossville, Red Bank, and Cleveland. He also published a daily Bible reading calendar for many years.

O’Dell made a lasting impact on countless lives with his calm demeanor, practical wisdom, and love for all. He loved life and lived it to the fullest.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Carole Denton, parents, Bonnie and Claude Best and Joe Denton, and brother, Allen (Sybil) Denton.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Brad and Rebecca Denton, grandchildren, Cole and Anslee Denton, brother David (Renee) Best, sisters Claudette (Wiley) Gribble and Mary (John) Richardson, many nieces, nephews, friends and other family members, as well as special friends Sherry Dodd and Larry and Connie Brown.

Visitation will be at Heritage Funeral Home on Battlefield Parkway on Thursday, July 23rd from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The funeral will be held at 1 pm on Friday, July 24th at Rossville Church of Christ, 1100 McFarland Ave., Rossville, with Ministers Chris Barnett and Jack James officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church beginning at noon. A private graveside service will be held at Chickamauga Cemetery.