Odell Short

Odell Short, 75, of Anderson, SC left this earthly life on December 22, 2015 at the Rainey Hospice House. A proud son of Keota, Oklahoma, Odell was born December 18th, 1940 to Norma Opal Hayes and George Washington Short. He graduated from Keota High School in 1958 and Northeastern State College in 1962. Odell was a teacher in Roswell, New Mexico from 1962-1965, before receiving a grant from the National Science Foundation to pursue his masters in mathematics. Odell’s academic pursuits brought him to the University of Tennessee and then to the University of South Carolina, where he graduated in 1966.

In 1966, Odell moved to Anderson, where he taught mathematics and physics at Anderson College (now Anderson University). Eventually he progressed to serve as the chair of the math department, before retiring in 1979. Odell was a member of the Sertoma Club and the Rotary Club for many years. He also served terms on the Department of Social Services and the Mental Health Board as well as the Board of Realtors and Habitat for Humanity of Anderson County. In 1977, Odell became a licensed real estate broker and established his own company, Baron Agency, in 1983, which he named for his beloved son and ran for nearly 30 years.

Odell, by nature, was an optimist: a rescuer of strays, a friend to every stranger he encountered, an unflagging fan of the underdog, and someone who deeply believed in the good in others. A renowned storyteller (and prankster), Odell constantly wove the facts together with the fantastical, layering on nuanced, enticing embellishments and colorful, compelling characters, so that you never knew when he’d “get you” with one of his tall tales. His youth was full of true stories that were stranger than fiction. He had an uncanny ability to keep his audience on their toes and laughing, all the way.

Odell, by persona, was a gentle giant. Many people will remember Odell as a teacher, a mentor, and an unwavering champion of those he taught, coached, and sponsored. They will recall that he spoke with the adult client, the young child, the developmentally disabled, and the homeless with the same attentive respect. And above all, they will remember Odell Short as a fighter- someone who never gave up in the face of adversity.

Odell was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ellen of Bethany, OK, his half-brother Jesse Short of Henryetta, OK and good friends, Ray Brett and Ken Pryor of Anderson, SC.

Odell is survived by his son, Dr. Baron Short (Nicole Sack) and two granddaughters (Abigail and Alexis) of Charleston, SC; his sisters Barbara Hayes of Tulsa and Christine Long of Del City; caretakers Sharon and Don Ernst; his love and longtime companion Linda Hipsher, and her two daughters, Nicole Taylor (Jimmy) and Shaw Hipsher; and many friends.

A memorial service will be held on April 23, 2016 at Breazeale’s Grocery Bluegrass at 4 pm. Guests are invited to stay after to enjoy a concert in Odell’s honor. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Odell Short’s name to the Haven of Rest Ministries.

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