On the evening of October 12, 2018, God called Odell unto eternal heavenly rest at Heritage Green Assisted Living to be with his siblings and parents.

He was born September 16, 1927 to the late William H. Gilmore and Corinne Roberts Gilmore. He was the 5th of six children who all preceded him in death.

He was educated in Lynchburg City Schools. He went into the Army when he was a young man. He married Janie B. Roach (deceased) and from this union, Brinda Gilmore Wright was born. Odell was one of the eleven men who organized Allied Cab Company. He also worked as a mechanic at Crestlanes bowling alley. He enjoyed meeting people and visiting places he'd never been. The cab was his passion. He drove the cab until his health no longer permitted. He and his brother "Charlie" traveled the world and before she died they took their mother to exotic places. Once she passed, the two brothers continued to take trips locally and were constantly going on cruises.

Odell's hobbies included photography and fishing. He and the fellows would go out on fishing excursions a few times a year. Odell also loved NASCAR racing and would go to races up and down the east coast.

He was a quiet man who read a lot and was knowledgeable of a variety of things. He enjoyed debating with his brothers about various news worthy stories and local events.

He joined Holcomb Rock Baptist Church because that was the church his wife Janie belonged to. Also, his father's family was affiliated with that church. Odell never met a stranger. He could strike up a conversation with just about anyone. He believed that speaking and saying a kind word may brighten someone's day.

He was manerable but soft spoken. He and his brother Charlie lived in the home house until they could no longer manage it. Charlie went to live at Bentley Commons Assisted Living and Odell went to Maryland to live with his daughter. He was there until he had a stroke. During his recuperation he constantly talked of Lynchburg and coming back home. He went to Heritage Green Assisted Living, which ironically was right beside Bentley Commons and the two brothers visited each other often. He also reunited with his life long friend Phillip Mack, who resides at Bentley Commons. Soon Charlie was moved over to Heritage Green and he and Odell were roommates. The brothers were together again! They were both so happy. Charlie's health was failing, and he only lasted a few weeks after the move.

Odell was sad and often asked how his sisters and brothers were doing, not realizing that everyone was gone except him. His cousin Minnie and her daughter Bernetta visited and checked on him often. Sometimes he would talk and sometimes just sleep. Minnie is the glue of the family and kept the cousins and family aware of each other's health.

He leaves to mourn his daughter, Brinda Gilmore Wright (Riley); three grandchildren, Lamont A. Wright (Re`nee), Heath R. Wright and Yukari R. Wright; five great grandchildren, Arria, RaSeph, Heath, II, Sia Li and Aries; one great-great granddaughter, Aiya who was the love of his life, along with many nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends too numerous to mention.