Gail O’Dell

Gail Oscar O’Dell was born in Leivasy, WV, on October 30th, 1938, to Cameron and Oprah (McCutcheon) O’Dell. Gail peacefully passed while native trout fishing on June 6, 2026.

He and his wife of 61 years, Juanita (Fields) O’Dell, were married on September 6th, 1964. He lived his entire life in Leivasy and Nettie, WV. He served two years as a paratrooper and was a coal miner for 34 years before retiring at 55.

Gail was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Reginia O’Dell and Jean Bush; Brothers Paul, Berlyn, and Elburn O’Dell.

Gail is survived by his wife, Juanita; three children, sons Jeff and wife Carol of Palmyra, VA, Greg and wife Trudy of Bremo Bluff, VA, and daughter Teresa O’Dell of Barboursville, VA. Three grandchildren: Cameron, Trevor, and Megan. Along with many nephews, nieces, and others whom they treated as family, and grandchildren.

Gail, known as Dad, Grandpa, and to three generations of O’Dells and Fields as Uncle Gail, was an avid outdoorsman, fishing, hunting, and digging ginseng, and enjoyed time in the outdoors with his children, grandchildren, and other family members and friends. He truly enjoyed introducing kids to the outdoors and teaching them games from his youth, like Base. He and Juantia hosted the O’Dell and Fields reunions for many years. Gail made maple syrup and bottled 12 gallons in January and February this year. He had a large garden which kept them in vegetables year-round, and had started a new one this spring. Kept honeybees and had many other hobbies.

Service will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Olive Branch Baptist Church with Pastor Stuart Stover officiating. Burial will follow at Fields cemetery, Nettie. Friends may gather with the family at the church from 1:00 until time of service .

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.wallaceandwallacefh.com

Wallace & Wallace, Inc. of Rainelle, WV is in charge of arrangements.