Dr. Charles Denton O'Dell, of Lavonia, GA, passed away at home on June 29, 2010. He was born June 9, 1937, in Oxford, MS to the late Charles Dee O'Dell and Fonta Woodson O'Dell. He was raised in rural Marshall County Mississippi and graduated from Holly Springs High School in Holly Springs, MS.He received a Bachelor of Science in Religion from Mississippi State University, a Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA, and a Doctorate of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL.

Dr. O'Dell began his career in ministry as the pastor of the Sumner Presbyterian Church in Sumner, MS.He then spent 18 years as the Director of Camp Hopewell in Oxford, MS. His passion was camping and youth ministry, and he helped build Camp Hopewell from a fledgling Presbyterian summer camp to a year-round camp and conference center. He was a pioneer in developing innovative camping programs, including camps for children with cancer, children with diabetes, and children with special needs.

Denton is the beloved husband of Ruth Bailey O'Dell. He spent the past 20 years in Georgia where he has embraced an active retirement that included woodworking, several entrepreneurial endeavors, and a ministry at Estatoah Wayfarers Chapel in Dillard, GA.He also took great pleasure in providing a nurturing home for Ruth and seeing his grandchildren as much as possible.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Woodson O'Dell, and his son, Robert Lee O'Dell.He is survived by his sister, Margaret O'Dell of Holly Springs, MS, his wife Ruth Bailey O'Dell of Lavonia, GA, son Charles Dee O'Dell, II (Christina) of Charlotte, NC, and granddaughters Alexanne, Clayton, and Whitney O'Dell.He is also survived by Ruth's son, Sidney Ray Hill, III (Kathryn) and step-grandsons Jack and Max Hill of Oxford, MS.

A memorial service is planned for Friday, July 2nd, at 11:00am at the Lavonia Presbyterian Church in Lavonia, GA.A reception will follow at the Lavonia United Methodist Church fellowship hall across the street. A celebration of his life is planned for Saturday, July 10th, at 2pm at Camp Hopewell, near Oxford, MS, with a reception to follow.A memorial service is also planned for Wednesday, July 14th, at 4pm at the Estatoah Wayfarers Chapel in Dillard, GA.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the nurses and doctors of the Emory Winship Cancer Institute who provided great comfort during his treatment.The family also thanks their many friends who have provided prayers and support, including those who have provided daily inspiration through the CaringBridge website.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Hopewell, 24 County Road 231, Oxford, MS, 38655-5810, Lavonia Presbyterian Church Food Ministry, 5610 Vickery Street, Lavonia, GA, 30553-1538, or The Estatoah Wayfarers Chapel, Estatoah Falls Road, Dillard, GA 30537.