Odee Pinkerton was born at home in Yalobusha County on July 4, 1919 to the late James H. Pinkerton and Emily I. Prestage. Mr. Pinkerton passed from this life at the age of 86 in the Yalobusha General Hospital on Tuesday, June 21, 2006. He was a member of Mt. Liberty Church, where he attended regularly and sang in the Choir.
Odee served in the U.S. Army from February 11, 1942 until October 6, 1945, and was a Veteran of World War II. He served as Staff Sergeant of Troop B-12th Calvary Regiment in the 1st Calvary Division. He was an honored recipient of the Bronze Medal during the Invasion of Leyte Island for Valor displayed on the battlefield. Other medals include the Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Marksman Badge & Rifle Bar and Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 Bronze Stars. He served his country valiantly with no regrets and with great pride.
Odee was a lifetime member of the DAV & VFW, where he served as Post Sr. Vice Commander and Surgeon. He also was a member of the American Legion.
Odee was an employee of Riley Lumber Company and was Timber Buyer, and General Manager of the Pallet Manufacturing Plant.
He was an avid lover of the outdoors, where he spent most of his time tilling and nurturing his soil and plants. He was well known around the area for his famous tomatoes, watermelons, and cantaloupes. Odee enjoyed the interaction of dealing with people, hunting & fishing, and sports (especially baseball).
The family will receive friends at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM on Thursday evening, June 22, 2006. Funeral services will be held in Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks Funeral Home on Friday, June 23, 2006 at 2:00 PM with Dr. Jim Pinkerton officiating. Burial will follow in Mt Liberty Cemetery with Bill Boydston, Alan Smith, Jason Smith, Terry Davis, Chad Kimzey and Hubert Sanders serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Jack Craven, Joe Black, Melvin Mills, Larry Kimzey and James B. (Crip) Tyler.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years Mattie Lou Rounsaville, daughter Sandra P. Goodwin of Water Valley, son Ron Pinkerton, and his wife Susan of Fort Worth, TX. and granddaughters Melanie F White, and her husband Mike of Hernando,MS, Shayna Pinkerton and Chrissy Pinkerton of Fort Worth, TX.
An inspiration to all his family, he was a role model for us , showing us a living example of what a Husband, Father, Friend , Neighbor , and Servant of the Lord should look like. He will be remembered and missed, however we now rejoice in knowing the he resides in Heaven - where all those he leaves behind will join him again one day.
In Lieu of flowers, the family request any memorials be given to the Mt Liberty Cemetery Fund.