Henry Odell Cameron

TSGT Henry Odell Cameron, age 95, of Cameron, NC, transitioned to eternal rest on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, NC.

Obituary

TSGT Henry Odell Cameron was born on October 29, 1930, in the Johnsonville Township of Harnett County, North Carolina, as one of twelve children of the legacy of the late Thomas and Mary McRae Cameron. He matriculated through the Harnett County School System. He was a proud alumnus of the former Johnsonville High School, Cameron NC - Class of 1949.

Odell, which he was affectionately called by everyone, was dependable, dedicated, industrious, and committed to every task placed before him. He was employed as a Fire Fighter with the Harnett County Forest Fire Department from February of 1949 through June of 1951, after which enlisting in the United States Air Force on July 13, 1951. While serving in the United States Air Force, he was stationed at various bases including Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, CA, Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, England Air Force Base in Alexandria, Louisiana, and Pope Air Force Base. Odell served two tours of duty in England and Turkey and was a member of the 513th Air Control Group. He also received medals to include The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, The Air and Space Achievement Medal, The Air Force Good Conduct Medal, The Air and Space Longevity Service Award, The Air Force Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and The National Defense Service Medal. After serving twenty-three years and achieving the rank of a Technical Sergeant (TSgt)/E-6, Odell finally retired from the United States Air Force. After retiring from the service, Henry went on to further his education and skills by enrolling in Fayetteville Technical Community College. He graduated and received his diploma in 1980 for Automotive Mechanics, again in 1982 for Carpentry, and once more with Honors in 1983 for Masonry. Following these achievements, Henry set his mind to return to school at Central Carolina Community College to study barbering/cosmetology and graduating in the 2000’s.

Odell was married to Pauline McKoy Cameron on December 22, 1959, and they were blessed with the “Angel of their eyes”, Sherry Nadine Cameron.

Odell was a man of strong faith and truly dedicated his life to the ministry of Spout Springs Presbyterian Church, Cameron NC, where he was a lifelong member. His journey of faith and service showed that he was readily available to make his contributions to the Lord’s church without hesitation. He willingly served as an Elder, the Superintendent of Sunday School, a Senior Adult Choir member, a Spout Springs Male Chorus +1 member, a Presbyterian Men Organization member, and a member of the Johnsonville/Spout Springs Community Development Club, until his health began to fail.

To his family, Odell was a provider and a protector. He was a man of few words and an avid farmer in his younger years. 

Odell was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline McKoy Cameron; eleven siblings, Louise Cameron-Ferguson, Alice Elizabeth Cameron, Abraham Cameron, John Daniel Cameron, Betsy Ann Cameron-Smith, Ethel Lee Cameron-Lucas, Theodis Cameron, Nina Mae Cameron-Gray, Neil Thomas Cameron, Maudeline Cameron-Pratt, and James Benjamin Cameron; three sisters-in-law, Novella Chalmers, Dorothy Davis, and Genever Davis; and two brothers-in-law, Carl Lee McKoy and Levi McKoy.

Odell’s legacy will live on in the hearts of his daughter, Sherry Cameron Harrison of Sanford, NC; two grandsons, Michael Cameron of Sanford, NC and Sherrod Harrison (Rochele) of Fayetteville, NC; four great-grandchildren, Londyn Harrison, Paris Harrison, India Harrison, and Germani Harrison; a special companion, Alice Hamilton of Fayetteville, NC; one son-in-law, Michael Harrison of Fayetteville, NC; one bonus granddaughter, Jennesis Mallette; three bonus great-grandchildren; five brothers-in-law, Thomas McKoy (Ann) of Cameron, NC, Bishop Roy A. McKoy (Costella) of Pinehurst, NC, Ellis Davis of Sanford, NC, Jesse Chalmers of Sanford, NC and Alexander "Buck" Lucas of Spring Lake, NC; a special caretaker, Juanita Dawkins; a long-time friend, Ms. Helen Goode of Gastonia, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, classmates, and Spout Springs Church Family.

Funeral Service Livestream

Special Thanks
To Cassandra Walker, Bobbie Gilchrist, Mary Arnold, and the Sprout Springs Church Family,
With hearts full of gratitude, our family would like to extend our deepest appreciation for the love and kindness you have continually shown to our father.
Your thoughtfulness in remembering him during Christmas and on his birthdays meant more than words can truly express. Those moments reminded him—and all of us—that he was never forgotten, but always cherished as part of your church family.
We are especially grateful for the way you included him in communion when he was unable to attend in person. That act of faith and compassion brought the presence of the church directly to him, strengthening his spirit and reminding him of God’s everlasting love.
Your visits, your prayers, and your fellowship brought comfort, joy, and peace into his life. Each smile, each conversation, and each gesture of care reflected the true meaning of Christian love in action.
Thank you for being such a faithful and loving community. Your kindness will always be remembered and deeply appreciated by our family.
With sincere gratitude, and love.
The Cameron Family

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC