Maury O’Dell, 86, of Raleigh, NC unexpectedly passed away on October 24, 2023. He was the son of the late PB O’Dell and Buena Mitchell O’Dell. Maury was born April 20, 1937 in Union, SC. He was a graduate of Union High School and attended Wofford College.

Maury was married to Patricia Corbin on December 7, 1958. They were blessed with two daughters. Pat preceded him in death on October 18, 2022.

Maury began his radio broadcasting journey at age 17 in Union, SC. His career took him to Spartanburg, Asheville, Charlotte, Atlanta, Columbia and eventually to Raleigh where he worked at WPTF radio 680AM, initially as the host of the afternoon program.

Shortly thereafter, Maury was named the Morning Show host, a role he held for 26 years, in addition to hosting the Ask Your Neighbor program. Maury enjoyed working with his co-host and best friend, Garry Dornburg, who was the voice of the NC State Wolfpack.

During his 53 year broadcasting career, Maury was on the air for many historic events including the JFK assassination and the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Throughout his career he received numerous citations and awards for his community involvement.

In 2002, Our State Magazine wrote, “He has interviewed presidents, governors, authors, sports legends, musicians, actors, crooners, artists, and comedians (including his favorite, Bob Hope). O’Dell’s a broadcaster in the classic sense the word, whose heroes are people like Edward R. Murrow, and no story is too large or too small to be enjoyed.”

Maury participated in many charity golf tournaments including The Maury O’Dell Classic. The golf course was his second favorite place to be, the first being at home with his beloved Patsy. They enjoyed traveling and hosting trips to destinations such as England, France, Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii and more. Maury loved spending time with Pat and their daughters and family at the beach enjoying many vacations together.

As a local “celebrity”, the town of Cary, NC named a street for him in Bond Park. Maury was given the “Key to the City” by Raleigh Mayor, Isabella Cannon. Maury was inducted into the North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2006. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Raleigh since 1977 where he served as a deacon and also served on many other committees.

He was preceded in death by his brothers William David O’Dell, Grady Lowell O’Dell, Donald Russell O’Dell and his sisters Nancy Coletta Fowler and Valerie May Lybrand.

Maury will forever be cherished in the lives of his children: Jann (Gary) Williams of High Point, NC; Joy (John) Ward of Raleigh; and 3 granddaughters Kayla (Josh) Ward Steedly of Raleigh, Rachel Williams of Waco, TX, and Sarah Ward of Roanoke, VA; and one precious great-grandson, Silas Ward Steedly of Raleigh; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 11am at Trinity Baptist Church, 4815 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27609. Visitation starts at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Maury to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, stjude.org and/or The Salvation Army, give.salvationarmyusa.org.

Psalms 30:5 “…weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.”