Committal
Odell Witherspoon, 80, of Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Born in Maryland on December 27, 1943, he was the son of the late Howard and Katherine Witherspoon. He was an avid member of First United Methodist Church Morganton. Odell graduated from Maiden High School and Appalachian Teachers College. He taught math at Western Piedmont Community College for 34 years where he served as the Head of the Math Department and Dean of Natural Science and Engineering. While at WPCC, he won the Excellence in Teaching Award in 1987 and also coached the women’s softball team. Aside from teaching, Odell was also a realtor for many years. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed making crafts for others. He loved attending craft shows and could not wait to tell others about all the projects he had been working on. In addition to woodworking, Odell loved to garden and be outdoors. He was always so proud of his produce. Odell was a family man and never missed anything his children or grandchildren were involved in.
Odell is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Ellen Witherspoon; children, Leslie Carpenter (Jeremy), Jamie Sisk (Clay); daughter-in-law, Tanya Witherspoon; six grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Carson Witherspoon, Tucker Sisk, Tanner Carpenter, Allie Witherspoon, Courtney Sisk, Abigail Carpenter; sisters, Nancy Childres, Mert Hass (Kenneth); and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to his parents, Odell is preceded in death by his son, Chris Witherspoon, brother, Marty Witherspoon.
A celebration of Odell’s life will be held at 3pm, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at First United Methodist Church Morganton with the Rev. Dana McKim officiating. The family will receive friends following the service on the front lawn of the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the FUMC Wood Ministry.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I have be I enjoyed all the good times at the real estate office, not to mention the golf. Mary Ellen you were blessed to have such a wonderful person for all those years.
I am saddened by the loss if your loved one, Odell. He was a good, loving man who loved his family with all his heart. Prayers and love sent your way in this time of loss.
Larry and I were heart broken to hear of Odell's passing. He was a blessing to Mary Ellen, Leslie, Jamie, Chris, their spouses, and his grand children. Their love for him was immense, as was his for them. I know he was part of a caring community in Morganton, and his passing will leave a void in many lives. We send our blessings for comfort and peace to those he left behind.
I have known Odell for many years. A friend and Realtor associate- always such a nice man! Prayers and comfort to his family.
I worked with Odell at WPCC. He was always willing to help anyone. My prayers are with the family. He will be missed.
My sincere condolences to Odell's family. We worked at Western Piedmont Community College at the same time. May God each of you during this most difficult time in your lives.
Deepest sympathies from the Whisnant family.
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I so understand what you are going through. Please remember where Odell now is and how he is at peace....... Those thoughts carried me through the difficult days after Pete moved on to heaven........ May you also be comforted and strengthened by this..... With deepest heartfelt sympathy... Libby
Thoughts and Prayers for you Jamie, and all your family as you grieve the loss of your Dad🙏🏼❤️
So sorry Odel was a great man and I enjoyed seeing him at the college.