Odell Francis Barnes Born 12-20-1922 to Dolph & Maggie Barnes. He lived a remarkable 97 years missing his 98th birthday by 2 months. Odell out lived 2 wives, Verdie Hargrove (1942-1999) & Marie Wade Chitty (2005-2018). He leaves behind 3 children; Nancy Barnes, Steve & (Sue) Barnes of Jackson and Gary & (Terresa Barnes) of Youngsville. Also surviving him are 2 brothers; Burland Barnes, Louisville Kentucky, Talmadge Barnes, Rich Square and a sister Gwendolyn Bazemore of Windsor. Also 5 grandchildren; Joey Barnes, Jason Barnes, Jonathan Barnes, Christy Thacker and Gary Barnes Jr. along with many great grandchildren. He grew up during the Great Depression, on a small farm with 6 brothers and 4 sisters. He joined the US Navy at 18 years old, prior to the outbreak of WWII, where he served 20 years retiring in 1960. He was a Hospital Corpsman assigned to England prior to the D-Day invasion, where he helped treat and transport the wounded back to the States. He ended the war years on a small island in the Pacific, training for the invasion of mainland Japan. After his military years he worked at Odom Correctional Institute as their Medical Officer an additional 25 years. He enjoyed the outdoors, quail hunting and fishing when he could. He also loved to tell stories from the years of growing up on a small farm surrounded by family and neighbors. He shared many of his Navy stories with anyone who would listen. He was quick with a smile for everyone, sharing some old joke or tale he had stored back in his memory. A graveside service will be held at the family graveyard on NC 305 in Jackson on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Randy Crowder officiating. Friends and family are invited to visit after the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made to www.askewfs.com