Odell O. Harlow
Odell O. Harlow departed this life for his Heavenly Home on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 after an extended illness with his wife and daughter by his side. He was born on October 21, 1937 to the late Sheugard and Eva Harlow, one of 13 children.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Jeanette Harlow; a daughter, Janet Harlow Shiflett and her husband, Jay; grandsons, Travis Cale Lamb, Wyatt Shiflett and Jay Shiflett II; granddaughter, Jessica Shiflett “Farm Princess” to her Papa, two brothers, Travenor “Jake” Harlow and wife Evelyn of Stanardsville and Overton “Izzy” Harlow of Maryland; one sister, Ora Lanning and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by their two teacup Chihuahuas, Bonnie and Clyde.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a baby son, seven brothers, Spurgeoun, Ollie, Aubrey, Charlie, Curtis, twins, B.I. and B. M. and two sisters, Juanita Shifflett and Sudie Ellis.
Odell became a member of Swift Run Baptist Church at an early age. He was a farmer all of his adult life, continuing the legacy of his Dad, raising crops and farm animals on the family farm. Many memories are recalled of friends who worked with him taking care of the duties and chores of farm life. His wife, Jeanette worked by his side on the farm most of the time, something they enjoyed together. He owned and operated the Fontaine Ave Exxon Station for many years. He continued his mechanical experience at a shop he maintained on their farm. He served in the U.S. Army and deployed to Korea during the Korean War. He continued his tenure as First Sgt. in the Virginia National Guard and completed 28 years of service.
Odell lived a simple life enjoying the company of his friends and he was an avid sports fan. He loved “good country cooking” and always enjoyed sharing meals with family and friends. Being a farm boy all of his life, he loved animals. One of his favorite things to do included working at auction sales, which he and Jeanette attended most Saturdays when his health was better.
The family will receive friends on Friday, September 26, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 12819 Spotswood Trail Ruckersville, VA 22968.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Ryan Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Holder and Rev. Henry Aylor officiating.
Interment will follow in Holly Memorial Gardens.
The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of the 4 Central Coronary Critical Care Unit at UVA and others for the excellent level of care they provided for Odell and for the compassion shown to family during this illness. Thank you to Josh Reuss MD, Tom Welch MD, Vijai Nagarajam MD and Sula Mazimba MD. A very special thank you to Andrew Huck, RN, Claire Riley RN, and Cari McCormick RN for the love and dedication given to the family during his final hours.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his to his wife, Jeanette Harlow for the benefit of his loving grandchildren, 1866 Swift Run Rd Ruckersville, VA 22968.
An online guestbook is available at www.ryanfuneral.com
Ryan Funeral Home of Ruckersville is handling the arrangements.