Odis Allison

Odis Allison, 90, of South Haven died peacefully after a long illness on Sunday, July 29 at Countryside nursing and Rehabilitation Community surrounded by his loving family and friends.

He was born November 10, 1921 in Harrell, Arkansas to the union of Tom and Dovey (Briggs) Allison. Odis served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II on the USS Argonne and USS Enterprise and was one of the last surviving Veterans from Pearl Harbor. He married Virginia Hunter in 1952 in Chicago, Illinois. Odis became a resident of South Haven in the early 60’s where he was employed by National Motors, drove bus for South Haven Public Schools, Michigan State Police, Cook Nuclear Power Plant and Filbrandt Family Funeral Home for many years. He served the South Haven community throughout his life and always greeted people with a smile. He was fondly known as “Odie” and “Mr. A.” Odis also served the Emmanuel Community Church as a faithful parishioner and Deacon for many years. In 1965 he became a member of the “Harmony Gospel Singers”. He shared his faith and inspired congregation with his performances and love of gospel music throught-out the state of Michigan.

In Heaven he joins his parents, brothers – Irving (Peaches), Hilton, Ulas (Buddy) and sisters – Vera Dunn, Eddie White and Jesse Hadley. He is also preceded in death by two children – son, Welton (Carol) Kage and daughter – Francis (Theodore) St. James.

Odis is survived by his loving wife – Virginia Allison. Two children – Odis (Carol) Allison Jr., and Deborah (Charles) Allison-Brown. Brother – Willie (Avestine) Allison. Sister – Eva (Charles) Parker. He also was blessed with 16 grandchildren 25 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Wake will be Thursday, August 2 from 11 – 12 at Emmanuel Community Church. Funeral services will begin Thursday at 12 noon at the church with Pastor Dureya Gibson officiating. Burial will take place at Chambers Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Countryside Nursing and Rehabilitation Community at 120 Baseline Rd, South Haven, Michigan 49090. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.