William Odell Spain, Sr.

William Odell Spain, Sr., 94, of Hobucken, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Grantsbrook Nursing and Rehabiliation Center.

A faithful servant of his community, Odell was a longtime member of Hobucken United Methodist Church, where he faithfully served on the church board for more than 30 years and was a dedicated adult Sunday School teacher. His unwavering faith and commitment to his church were evident throughout his life, and he found great joy in sharing God’s Word with others.

Odell proudly served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard before beginning a lifetime of hard work and service. In his younger years, he made his living as a commercial fisherman, embracing the waters that had always been such an important part of his life. He later retired from Texas Gulf, now Nutrien, after many years of dedicated employment.

A gifted storyteller, Odell had a passion for preserving the history and heritage of his beloved community. He was a longtime writer for The Pamlico News, where his articles reflected his love for local history and coastal life. He also authored and published Cap’n Dell’s Stories, a collection of treasured memories and life experiences that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Gladys Mayo Spain; sons, Bruce and Billy Spain; daughters, Teri Spain and Donna Marie Walker; six sisters; and two brothers.

Left to cherish his memory are his grandsons, Raymon Walker (Stephanie) and Steven Walker (Stephanie); along with six great-grandchildren, William Yates Walker, Kadie Faye Walker, Erin Louise Walker, Riley Odell Walker, Oliver Ray Walker, and Everett Keith Walker.

A funeral service with military honors to celebrate Odell’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 1st, at Daniels-Sadler Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike Roach officiating. Interment will be held privately in Barnett Cemetery.

The family will receive friends and relatives one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mike Roach for the benefit of building supplies used to construct handicap ramps for those in need, 5204 NC Highway 55 E, New Bern, NC 28560.