Odis McCalpine, affectionately known as “Billy,” was born on August 4, 1935, in Sawyerville, Alabama, to the late Annie Mae Coleman. He was raised by his beloved grandfather, Alex McCalpine. Odis passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 89.
At an early age, Odis confessed Christ and became a devoted member of Springfield Missionary Baptist Church. He served faithfully for many years in various capacities such as ordained deacon, church clerk, and spiritual leader during devotions. His commitment to his faith and church family remained steadfast until his health began to decline.
Odis was a proud 1953 graduate of Hale County Training School. He began his working career at Central Foundry in 1955 and later pursued pulpwood work before finding long-term employment at Brookwood Coal Mine #4, where he worked diligently until his retirement in 1999. After retiring, he found joy in caring for his grandchildren— though he often joked that they were the ones caring for him.
On August 3, 1957, Odis married the love of his life, Beulah Travis. Their union was blessed with six children. He was also the proud father of a daughter from a previous relationship, Edna Abrams.
He found great joy in family gatherings. He loved hunting, playing baseball, watching westerns, and daily drives to Greensboro.
A kind and generous man, Odis lived by the belief that if you could help someone, you should. He was truly a cheerful giver, and his life reflected that spirit.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Mae and Francis Coleman; his siblings, Amethia Coleman and Jean Walker; and his beloved wife, Beulah McCalpine.
He leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, cherished by his children: Edna (James) Williams, Mildred McCalpine, Debora McCalpine, Annie (Hugo) Jackson, Marilyn Gaitor, Odis T. McCalpine, and LaQuita McCalpine. He is also survived by his sisters, Colethia Williams and Eva Wilkins; his brothers, Wallace (Daisy) Taylor and Kenneth Coleman; and a special bonus daughter, Forinna Patterson. Odis’s memory lives on through his fourteen grandchildren: Jamar, Ariane (Donte’), Erica (Keno), Alex, Ashley (Donmanique), Bianca, Van, Varon, Aliyah, Ocequsia (Gavin), Oneshia, Deontae, Skylar, and Zerick. He also leaves behind a host of greatgrandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of Washington & Paige Mortuary, located at 17745 Highway 25 N, Greensboro, Alabama. Reverend Timothy Jeffries, Pastor of Pleasant Hill Church in Moundville, officiated. Interment followed.
