John Alexander O’Daniel died on January 30, 2018 after an extended illness. Alex was born on August 10, 1942 at Doctors O'Daniel Clinic, Ellijay, Georgia to Dr. John Y. and Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Matthews O’Daniel. He is survived by his wife, Georgia Olsen O'Daniel, sister, Betsy O'Daniel, brother- in- law George Olsen (Mamita), nephews Jeff Olsen (Kori) and Kevin Olsen, and his beloved O’Daniel, James, Hutcheson, Garrison and Thorwart cousins.
Alex was an Eagle Scout and a true, southern gentleman with beautiful, twinkling blue eyes, a large heart, a spontaneous zest for life and a strong faith. He cherished his family and was a sweet, kind man who treated others with dignity. He listened and could make worries disappear. He loved a good joke and could make you laugh. Alex lived the Golden Rule.
Alex graduated from Gaffney High School and Wofford College. His career was in business ownerships and sales. He excelled in the manufactured housing industry and won many awards, including the honor of being among the Distinguished Top Ten Dealers Worldwide with Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc.
An outdoorsman from an early age, Alex enjoyed hunting, fishing, biking, fitness exercises, jogging, swimming and diving. He began martial arts in his teens, earning a black belt in Tae Kwon Do at age 40. As a young man, he was president of the Spartanburg Ski Club and continued skiing until a few years before his death.
Alex celebrated retirement by participating in the Jacksonville Beach Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day. He found joy in making new friends and renewing friendships from his school and working days. He mentored individuals enrolled in Jacksonville City Rescue Mission’s LifeBuilders program and assisted the homeless at Mission House. He rode miles on his bike daily at dawn and frequently picked up trash while walking on the beach. He graduated from the Jax Beach Civilian Police Academy and supported their community projects. He was an active member of the FOP Lodge, Sawgrass Sport Shooting Association, the First Coast Republican Club, Pi Kappa Phi and Palms Presbyterian Church.
A memorial service will be held at Palms Presbyterian Church, 3410 3rd St. S., Jacksonville Beach, FL, 32250 on February 10 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to City Rescue Mission, 426 S. McDuff Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32254 or Mission House, 800 Shetter Avenue, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.
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