Otha Odell Taylor Jr.

Otha Odell Taylor, Jr., age 80, was born on March 10, 1946, to the late Otha Odell Taylor, Sr., and the late Annie Bell (Nyle) Taylor. He departed this life on July 28, 2026, at 3:40 PM.

Odell accepted the Lord at an early age through the Methodist faith. After marrying Arlene, he was baptized at Second Baptist Church in 1987, continuing his walk of faith with devotion and reverence.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Odell moved with his family to Columbus, Ohio, where his father worked for DCSC. He attended Columbus Public Schools, graduated from Central High School in 1964, went on to attend The Ohio State University, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Franklin University

Odell served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War era. His love for flying remained with him throughout his life. He earned his pilot's certificate and continued to enjoy flying, even piloting a friend's plane as recently as 2014. He would often say that he felt free when he was in the air. Besides flying, he loved to ride his motorcycle, moving from a small bike up to a Gold Wing.

Odell was a man of many talents and held several jobs throughout his lifetime. During the latter part of his life, he worked for Franklin County Children Services in the Emancipation Department as a social worker until his retirement in 2010. He loved sharing his knowledge of history and wisdom with others, especially children, making his work with Children Services especially fitting.

From a previous marriage, Odell was blessed with one son, Michael Odell Taylor, Sr. On May 10, 1986, he married Arlene Marie Jones of Baltimore, Maryland. Their union, ordained by God and officiated by the late Reverend Leon L. Troy, lasted forty years, two months, and eighteen days-until death did they part.

Odell was a Life Member, LM# 2800, of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., for a little over thirty-nine years. He served as Historian, Photographer, Vice Basileus (Vice President), and Basileus, (President) of the Mu Iota Chapter early in his Omega journey. He also developed a love for music early in life, first playing a wind instrument and later moving to the bass guitar, which he continued to play until God called him home. He played bass for Greater Ebenezer Cathedral of Praise for a few years. Winston White reminded Arlene this week that when he was Director of Music at Second Baptist Church Odell would come down periodically and they would hold "jam sessions." Odell, with his thirst for knowledge, not only played, but he continued to take lessons trying to get better at his craft.

Odell served on the Usher Board at Second Baptist Church until COVID-19 and later health issues no longer allowed him to continue. He never met a stranger, and it was often said that he must have known everyone in Columbus.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted Wife: Arlene MJ Taylor; one Son: Michael Odell Taylor, Sr.; two Grandchildren: Michael Odell Taylor, Jr. and Allaijah Burks; one devoted Goddaughter: Yasamine Harden; one Sister-in-Love: Maxine CJones Bryant and her husband, Randy, of Wilmington, Delaware; one Brother-in-Love: Richard Harrison Jones and his wife, Willie Mae, of Knightdale, North Carolina; Special Cousins: Cheryl Abercrombie and Charlene Simmons; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Although Otha was an only child by birth, he grew up with two cousins who were like brothers to him, Lloyd Dwight Blue and his wife, Kathryn, of Boring, Oregon, and the late Duane A. Burgess. His other brother was Rusty (Fatboy), his dog. Later in life, he gained additional friends who became as close as family, including Rosby and Deborah Lee; the late Raymond and Lucille Tillery; Chet and Cheryl Christie, Cassandra Randall, Stefani Myrieckes, and Steve Jones; nieces Deborah Woodly and Michelle Willingham; and special friends Irene Basiakos, Rita Barksdale, Anita Hart, James and Cathy Mock, Carla Robinson, Gilbert Quick, and Clyde Wright.