Mr James Odell Withers

James Odell Withers Carthage, MS James Odell Withers, 73, died Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Visitation is 11:00 am until 12 pm Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Wilcox Funeral Home. Services are at 12:00 pm Saturday, February 22, 2025, in the Wilcox Chapel with Rev. Shannon Philley officiating. The interment is in the Singleton Community Church Cemetery. Born at home on July 19, 1951, to Marion and Minnie (Maxey) Withers. He came from a modest family of three sisters, Billie Moore, Peggy Faulkner, and Macy Lee Langdon, and one brother, J.C. Withers. Odell was the youngest of his siblings and always talked about how loving and gentle his mother was with him. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Barbara Dorsey Withers; a son, Marcus (Angie) Withers; a daughter (Ashleigh (Chris) Guffey; grandchildren, Madison Withers, Sam Guffey, Jack Guffey, Madison Guffey, and Aaron McClish; beloved dog and companion, Dorsey. Pallbearers are Marcus Withers, Chris Guffey, Sam Guffey, Brian Thompson, Todd Turner, Danny Joe Freeney, Stacy Bell, Stan McGivney, and Jerry Evans. Honorary Pallbearers are Jack Guffey and Jerry Grantham. Odell was an avid bird hunter and fisherman all of his life with his son Marcus. Odell also enjoyed fly fishing with his grandson, Jack Thomas. Odell's hobbies included going to music concerts, wood working, and working in his greenhouse on his varieties of fruit trees. Odell's career in propane lasted 40 + years. Some say he was so good at his chosen profession that he never lost his eyebrows. Not once. Odell was also adept at taking apart all sorts of things and not remembering how to put them back together with all the parts. He was a member of Singleton Community Church. Odell left school in the 11th grade and received his GED. Never one to let grass grow under his feet, he ventured out into the world to make his mark. Stories of the pipeline, picking cotton, and working as a carpenter were all part of his fabric dyed in hard work. His story might have taken any turn until a young, vibrant Barbara Ann Dorsey came into his view one evening, and the rest is history. They married on September 02, 1972, and turned their meager beginning into a loving home with two children. Odell and Marcus were two peas in a pod. Hunting during the day and fishing the rest of the time until they discovered go-kart racing. From there, it was sports. He spent countless hours in basketball gymnasiums and ball fields. Then came Ashleigh (Baby Ann). If there were ever a definitive daddy's girl, it would be her. Odell and Asheigh's special bond for one another was captured in every photo they were ever in—nothing but doe eyes and smiles. Odell loved helping Ashleigh practice basketball and free throws; he rebounded basketballs for days. Their relationship remained like this as Ashleigh cared for her daddy during his final two weeks and was holding Odell's hand as he took his final breath. Odell and Barbara have regaled stories of weekend volleyball games in their younger years and their proudest moments of being able to send both their children to college. Each one growing their lives independently and successfully. Odell and Barabara loved music in their lives together. Seeing multiple concerts independently and together, sometimes accompanied by Ashleigh and Chris. At a George Strait concert, Odell took so many pictures by the stage with his flash on that George stopped the show and posed. When Odell retired, he was able to spend time traveling to Kentucky, where both of his children decided to settle down. He and Barbara took many vacations over the last 11 years, leading to many adventures and stories. Traveling to Wyoming and taking a snowmobile to see Old Faithful during a whiteout blizzard. Driving The Teton Mountain range and having a ram hit the rental car. Seeing six feet of snowfall for the first time. Spending Christmas in a teepee. We all still talk about sipping the apple cider by the fire. Odell was also fearless when it came to activities. In 2018, in Pigeon Forge, he went zip-lining with a group of Indians. Needless to say, 240 lbs. is coming in hot, and you keep your fingers out of the way. Now, Odell was not one for games. In Montana, one Christmas, he did an escape room with everyone. While the rest of the group was looking for clues, he got in the rocking chair and napped. I won't say under which side that last clue was under, but we were told it took us longer than anyone else to find that last clue. Yes, you can say Odell lived a full life. He loved to tease you. He loved to pick at you. He had great stories and laughs to share. He and all 9 1/2 fingers will be missed dearly. I told you he was a carpenter. God speed Big O.

Mr James Odell Withers

July 19, 1951 - February 18, 2025

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Mr James Odell Withers

July 19, 1951 - February 18, 2025

What We Do

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About Us

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Grief & Healing

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365 Days of Grief Support