Odell Garrett Jr.Chattanooga, TN

Lewis Odell Garrett, Jr. passed away July 26 in a local Chattanooga, TN hospital from complications of a fall as he prepared for a day of bush hogging.  Born February 2, 1936 in Dixon Springs, Smith Co., TN, Odell was the oldest of three children of May Yancey and Lewis Odell Garrett, Sr..  His parents and brothers, Robert (Sandra) and Jesse predeceased him. His father and mother in law, Leonard and Elwanda Lassetter Poteet also preceded him in death.

Odell began his working career in his early childhood sweeping floors and washing tools in his father’s shop, Central Garage, where he became a skilled automotive mechanic. Utilizing those skills and knowledge, he advanced to service manager at Cunningham-Kelly Chevrolet in Hartsville, TN and then spent 42 years in service operations with General Motors.  During his time with GM, Odell worked out of the Louisville KY Zone, Atlanta GA Region, Chicago IL Branch, Memphis TN Region, and South Florida/Caribbean Zone with an assortment of job titles - District Service Manager, Fixed Operations Manager, and Auditor to name a few. On November 29, 1988 during a service audit, he met the love of his life - his wife - Wanda Lynn Poteet. They were married four months later and became the center of each other’s world.  They talked to each other every day from the day they met until the day of his passing.

Retirement for Odell was just a job change.  Work was his hobby and he was happiest when he was busy.  He loved living on Wanda Lynn’s family farm.  There was always work to be done and he had just finished a complete engine overhaul on one of his tractors.  Odell served multiple terms on the Catoosa Co. GA Alcoholic Beverage Commission and was serving as the Chairman at the time of his death.  He was a member of Boynton Baptist Church and also served on their security team.

In addition to his wife, Odell is survived by his children: Sherry (Denny) McDonald, Gallatin TN; Perry ( Betty), Hendersonville TN; Jim (Christina), Soddy-Daisy, TN; Spencer (Staci), Kingston Springs TN, Tracey (Connie) Lebanon TN; 12 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren plus 1 on the way; and nephew Rick (Kathy) Qualls, Sparta TN and his children and grandchildren.  Odell loved all of his children, grands, and great grands equally.  The youngest great grand, Riviera, stole his heart and he looked forward to their Friday play dates.

Visitation will be at Heritage Funeral Home on Battlefield Parkway in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, Friday from 4pm until 8pm and Saturday from 10am until the time of the service at 1pm, with Dr. Keith McLeod officiating.  Burial will be at Tennessee Georgia Memorial Park, 724 Hogan Road, Rossville, Georgia, immediately following the service.

If you prefer, donations in Odell’s memory may be made to Boynton Baptist Church - Building Fund, 4093 Boynton Dr., Ringgold GA 30736.