Mr. Billie H Oden

On March 16, 2016, Billie Hyde Oden left his earthly body and was reunited with his great love, Dale Oden, both who are now and forever in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He died in Gulfport, Mississippi while peacefully sleeping, in the presence of his daughters and family. Billie Oden was loved and respected by family, friends, and colleagues for his exemplary life, loving and fiercely protecting his family, serving the citizens of the State of Alabama, and worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ. His passion, integrity and leadership will be remembered and missed by all who knew him. Billie was preceded in death by his sweetheart and wife, Mary Dale Taylor Oden of Joppa, Alabama; his parents, Orville L. and Myrle Oden of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; two brothers, Jonathan Dale Oden of Ryan, Alabama and David C. Oden of Oliver Springs, Tennessee. He is survived by two daughters, Sharon Oden Hudson (Bill) of Diamondhead, Mississippi and Susan Oden Shirley (Dave) of Cropwell, Alabama; two granddaughters, Mary Kathryn Hudson McAlpin (Tyler) of Diamondhead, Mississippi, Rebecca Hudson Boyer (Brock) of Pass Christian, Mississippi; one grandson, William Hugh Hudson (Jessica) of Diamondhead, Mississippi; three brothers, Lesley Oden (Arlene) of Joppa, Alabama, Garey Oden of St. Louis, Missouri, and Jerry Oden (Tammy) of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; eight great grandchildren, Gabriel Hudson, Mary Taylor McAlpin, Eli Hudson, Luke Boyer, Kyndle Hudson, Avery Boyer, Tyler McAlpin, and Mitchell McAlpin of Diamondhead and Pass Christian, Mississippi; four nieces; six nephews and many cousins. Billie left the family farm as a teenager to serve his county in the United States military. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and while serving in the Occupational Forces in Japan following WWII, Billie was seriously injured in an ambush. He was Honorably Discharged after six and a half years of service in the Air Force at the rank of Technical Sergeant. Billie returned to Alabama following his military service to study education at Jacksonville State University. There he earned a bachelor of science degree. He later earned post graduate degrees from Auburn University and the University of Alabama. Billie was an educator for more than forty years. His career began as a coach and teacher in the Jefferson County School System. He advanced to Principal and served many years at Pinson Valley High School. Later in his career, he became a Supervisor of Principals. Billie served the Board of Education in his last decade of service as the Assistant to the Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, with responsibility for facilities, transportation, energy, security, and discipline. He faithfully served the school systems of Alabama with integrity and honor. He held many leadership positions in statewide educational associations. He was also instrumental in establishing medical insurance and retirement benefits for teachers and state employees throughout Alabama. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the Gober Funeral Chapel in Arab, Alabama on Sunday, March 20, 2016, from Noon until 2:00 pm. A Funeral Service will immediately follow the visitation. Mr. Oden’s son-in-law, Bill Hudson, will preside over the service. Interment will be in Center Grove Cemetery at New Salem Baptist Church, in Center Grove, Alabama. Pallbearers will be Bill Hudson, Dave Shirley, Hugh Hudson, Gabriel Hudson, Brock Boyer, Tyler McAlpin, Eric Thrasher, and Darron Blocker. Honorary pallbearers are Lesley Oden, Garey Oden, Jerry Oden, Buddy Oden, Pat Oden, Billy Dale Oden, and Dewayne Oden.

Mr. Billie H Oden

July 31, 1928 - March 16, 2016