A Life Story

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Philip Wayne O'Dell. Born on July 13, 1954, in the coastal town of Broadstairs, England. He completed his life's journey peacefully on November 1, 2024, All Saints' Day, at his family's home on Tybee Island. Philip was blessed with two families: the O'Dells and the Chus. When his father, a career Army officer, was deployed to Vietnam, the O'Dells prepared to move to Indiana. Philip was only ten years old, but he was precocious. After concerted lobbying, he secured his parents' approval to remain on Tybee with Mr. T.S. Chu and his family. The Chus began as his guardians but soon grew into Philip's family. He was predeceased by his father, Carl R. O'Dell. He leaves behind his mother, Diane Horrell; his brother, Carl R. O'Dell; and his sister, Jacquiline O'Dell Klueh (Steve). He was also predeceased by T.S. Chu and May Chu and is survived by "Mom" Mola Chu Jung, Terese Jung, and his niece, Maddie Wilson.Philip was a humble man with a generous heart. He lived with integrity, a testament to the lessons learned from his mentor, T.S. Chu, and the Chu family. He was a fixture in the Chu enterprises, where he learned the values of hard work, loyalty, and entrepreneurship. Building on those lessons, he quietly enjoyed a successful and varied business career that included serving asthe General Manager of several radio stations before eventually owning his own station. His real estate investments included an Arby's franchise, Captains Quarters Apartments, Mercer Shopping Center, and numerous other properties. His ventures also took him to Florida, where he was the Managing Partner of The Emerald Shores Hotel in Daytona Beach and owned a horse ranch in Ocala. In addition to his business ventures, Philip was also engaged with his community and state. He played a very active role in Congressman Lindsay Thomas's first campaign victory, which led Senator John Glenn to personally ask Philip to head the Senator's presidential campaign. Philip served on the Tybee City Council. He was also instrumental in saving the historic Tybee Island Theater from demolition. He used his radio station as a base to launch Silent Witness, a crime-fighting program that provided a safe way for private citizens to share confidential tips with the police. For six years, Philip bravely battled multiple cancers, demonstrating a strength and courage that inspired all who knew him. In support, his friends wore bracelets printed with the catchphrase "PHIL STRONG."He ordered a new model C-8 Corvette, his optimism serving him well. Philip's car was one of the first off the 2020 production line, and he picked it up at the factory. Before leaving the parking lot, he wrapped the vehicle with "Victory Over Cancer Tour" and set off to share a story of hope with other cancer patients and their families. Many responded to the car by touching it for good luck. He never realized how many lives he would connect with-how many strangers would become friends, friends who would open doors to their homes and hearts. After his return to Tybee, dozens continued to reach out to him for words of encouragement. For younger cancer patients, he created the "Dr. Phil daBear" Outreach Program. He purchased hundreds of plush bears and personally packaged them with his prescription attached: "Give two hugs, twice a day or as needed for faster recovery." Throughout his battle with cancer, he remained grateful to all who cared for him and kept the fire of his indomitable spirit alive.Visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church on Wilmington Island, GA. Burial will take place at Greenwich Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in memory of Philip O'Dell to Daughters of Mary of Nazareth, Saint Joseph of Nazareth Convent, P.O. Box 690789, Quincy, MA 00269, or Saint Michael Catholic Church, 802 Lovell Ave, Tybee Island, GA 31328.