Dr. Norris Lee O'Dell

Doctor Norris Lee O’Dell passed away on September 27, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Harriet Jones O’Dell. He was born in Mullens, WV in 1945 to Chando and Ruth Toler O’Dell both of whom preceded him in death. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Lara and her husband, Willliam “Bill” Reeves; sons, William “Chan” O’Dell and his wife, Jane; and Tyler “Ty” O’Dell and his wife, Heather as well as his grandchildren, William “Will” Reeves, Emory “Emmie” Reeves, Jane Marshall O’Dell, Reyer O’Dell, Charlotte O’Dell, and Tyler “Ty” O’Dell, Junior.

Norris graduated from Wm. R. Boone High School in Orlando, FL and was an alumnus of Emory University and of the Medical College of Georgia, now Augusta University (PHD and DMD degrees). He taught at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry from 1972 to 2001. Then as an Emeritus Faculty member, he continued to teach on a part-time basis at Georgia Regents University (now AU) until 2014 and as a Lecturer at the University of South Carolina in Aiken until 2017. He considered it a privilege to teach, and to be associated with young men and women as they embarked on their chosen careers.

Dr. O’Dell served as the president of both the MCG School of Dentistry Alumni Association and the MCG School of Graduate Studies Alumni Association. He was a Life Member of the MCG School of Dentistry Alumni Association and received The School of Dentistry Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2004.

During his academic career at the MCG Dental School, Dr. O’Dell taught Anatomical Sciences; served as the Graduate Program Director for the Department of Oral Biology & Maxillofacial Pathology, as well as the Director of Continuing Dental Education for the School of Dentistry. During his tenure, he received the Outstanding Faculty Award, the Teaching Excellence Award, the Distinguished Service Award along with other awards related to his academic efforts.

Dr. O’Dell served in various capacities on numerous local, state, and national academic committees. He was an Emeritus member of Sigma Xi (The National Research Honor Society), a Life Member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (The National Dental Honor Society), and a member of the Georgia Academy of Science, American Association for Dental Research, International Association for Dental Research, and the American Association of Dental Schools; and he served as the former Editor of the Georgia Journal of Science.

Norris was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and West Lake Country Club. In his community, he served previously on the Board of Trustees of the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library, as Secretary of the Central Savannah River Area Swim League; as Treasurer of the Augusta Rowing Club; on the Board of Governors of the Montclair Home Owner’s Association; as a Faculty Supervisor for the “Thursday Night Dental Clinic” held at the MCG Children and Youth Clinics; as a Red Cross certified Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Instructor; as a starter for the Montclair and West Lake Country Club swim teams; and as a youth soccer coach at the Y.

Norris and Harriet loved to dance and travel. During his retirement years he enjoyed holidays and vacations with his family and friends; following sports, church, and school activities for all six of his grandchildren; and playing golf with an eclectic group of men who enjoyed each other’s company. He felt very blessed to have Harriet as his wife, and for their journey together as a young couple and then as parents and grandparents. Moreover, he felt extremely fortunate that his daughter and sons, along with their spouses and all his grandchildren lived in the Augusta area which allowed them to be an almost daily part of each other’s lives. “It does not get any better than that!”

The family would like to thank Dr. Stephen Schmidt, Dr. Sarah Cely and Dr. Alice David and the incredible phlebotomists and nurses at Augusta Oncology, Tabitha and Mark at Piedmont Hospital, and Dr. Jed Howington and the remarkable technicians at Radiation Oncology Associates for their competent and compassionate care. Also, Jim Beck and the entire staff at French Market West for their support during Doc’s medical journey. While his battle with cancer slowed him down a bit over the last four years, it did not diminish his cheerful outlook or his sense of humor.

The family will receive friends at Thomas Poteet & Son on Davis Road Tuesday, October 6 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, and funeral services will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church on North Belair Road at 11 o’clock on Wednesday, October 7, with interment to follow at Westover Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Dr. James “Jim” Davis, Dr. J. Ben Deal, Larry Prather, Sr., Larry “Smitty” Prather, Jr., Bill Reeves, and Will Reeves. Honorary Pallbearers are Dr. Craig Kerins, Bill Mason, Jack Manton, the members of The Georgia Profits, Inc., and members of the former Dogfight Group at West Lake CC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Wellstar Golisano Children’s Hospital of Georgia in Augusta, Georgia, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, or the Tunnels2Towers Foundation.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com