Lee Gene O'Daniel, who was born in Bett, Mississippi on July 12, 1938, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 8, 2022 (83 years old). He was a resident of Southaven, MS and formerly of Coldwater, MS and Memphis, TN. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Rita Kiperts O'Daniel; a son-in-law, Johnny Swinford; daughter, Sharron O'Daniel; brother, James O'Daniel; infant daughter, Chris Elaine O'Daniel; and his parents, Leoda Mayfield O'Daniel and Percy Lee O'Daniel.

He is survived by daughters, Carol Dawn O'Daniel Woods (Pete) of Southaven, MS; Sandra Elaine O'Daniel Swinford of Southaven, MS; his son, Christopher David O'Daniel (Amy) of Tupelo, MS; and daughter, Suzanne Elizabeth O'Daniel Watkins (Richard) of Red Banks, MS.

He leaves sixteen grandchildren, Shaun McMurchie (Amy), Jennifer O'Daniel, Zacharia Woods, Joshua Woods (Rachel), and Nora/Evie Woods Elmore (Drew), Shawna Swinford, Heather Swinford Hinckley (Chris), Jared Swinford, Jasmine Swinford, Cameron O'Daniel (Taylor), Clayton O'Daniel, Carson O'Daniel, Connor O'Daniel, Macy Watkins Cook (Kyle), Megan Watkins Shaw (Kasey), and Marlee Watkins. He also leaves fourteen great-grandchildren.

He worked for 30 years at Rexham Corp. in Memphis and retired at the age of 62 after working ten additional years at Alcoa HC in Olive Branch, MS. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. His gardening skills were impressive and he liked to share all the bounty it provided with his friends and family. He loved and missed his wife Rita terribly in recent years since her passing nearly seven years ago. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were greatly cherished and adored by him. His absence will forever be a void in our lives and we will miss him greatly. We are so grateful that we will meet him again in Heaven.

A service will be held on Friday, July 15 at Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park East located at 2440 Whitten Road, Memphis, TN. Visitation will begin at 1:00pm with the service beginning at 2:00pm. A graveside service will immediately follow at Forest Hill Funeral Home and Memorial Park South located at 2545 E Holmes Rd., Memphis, TN. All friends and family are invited to attend.

The officiants for the service are Gene's son-in-law, Richard Watkins; grandson, Cameron O'Daniel and son, Christopher O'Daniel. Pallbearers are Zacharia Woods, Joshua Woods, Jared Swinford, Clayton O'Daniel, Carson O'Daniel, and Connor O'Daniel.