Larry Gaynor O’Dell, 83, of Carolina Shores, NC died on March 17, 2024 at his home.

Born on September 3, 1941 in Henry County, VA, he was the son of the late Posey Lester O’Dell and Bertie Martin O’Dell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Martha Ann O’Dell Campbell, and his son, Kevin Blaine O’Dell.

Larry was a graduate of John D. Bassett High School. He went on to serve in the United States Air Force and was sent to Yale University to study Korean. He served in Korea as a Linguist in Communications Intelligence.

Larry married Deborah Gayle Morrison on September 16, 1967 at St. Paul’s Evangelical United Brethren Church in Staunton, VA.

After leaving the military, he earned his Associates degree at National Business College. He worked in the commercial trucking industry for over 40 years and retired from Estes Express Lines in 2008.

He loved Fly Fishing and golf. Larry accomplished a hole in one in 2011 at Carolina Shores Golf and County Club.

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Deborah; his daughter Sharon Kay VanDyke, and her husband, David Sr.; their sons David Thomas VanDyke, Jr. and James O’Dell VanDyke.

Larry was a proud member of Little River United Methodist Church, 1629 Highway 17, Little River, SC where a Celebration of Life will be conducted on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 11:00 AM.  Following the service receiving of friends will be held at the Carolina Shores POA, 17 Lakeview Court, Carolina Shores, NC 28467.

Memorials may be directed to Amedisys Hospice, 1729 Southport-Supply Road SE, Suite A, Bolivia, NC 28422 and/or American Cancer Society, Wilmington Chapter, 2202 Wrightsville Avenue, Suite 111, Wilmington, NC 28403.