John Odell Brown, 74, of Wareham, formerly of Sun City, Hilton Head, S.C., died Dec. 24 unexpectedly at home.  He was the husband of Sandra F. (Santosuosso) Brown and the son of the late Arthur B. and Alpha Omega (Lane) Brown.

He was born in Marion, S.C. and lived on Hilton Head Island and then Sun City HH, S.C. for many years before permanently moving to his Mass. beach house in 2013. Brown served in the U.S. Army, owned and operated Advance Structural Systems and continued with contracting in Sun City and Mass., building his present home alongside his stepson Bernard.

Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Sandra F. (Santosuosso) Brown; his children John Odell Brown Jr. (Michelle), Roxanne Brickhouse, Cynthia Brown, Cheryl Brown, all of S.C.; his stepchildren Bernard Ashley, Susan Ashley, both of Mass., Dianne Brown (Roger) of Ga., Dawn Smith (Windell) of Fla.; his faithful furry companions, Rylee and Gregree; his brothers Paul Brown, Kelly Brown, Terry Brown, all of Columbia, S.C.; grandchildren John Odell Brown III (Trey), Graceyn Ardeth Brown, Jennifer Goodwin, Amber Donovan, Joseph Donovan, Nicole Bullard, Casey Risinger, Corey Risinger, Rebecca Ashley, Amanda Ashley, Molly Smith, Annie Smith, Ashley Smith, Nicholas Strickland, Jack Smith, John Smith; and great-granddaughter Cheyenne Ballington.

Odell exemplified humility, gave his entire life serving others in every imaginable capacity.  He was an extraordinary athlete, exceeded at every life task set before him, loved his family more than life itself, his pets, the Red Sox and the Patriots.

“A precious diamond on a beach of sand who was loved beyond love by everyone.”

His funeral will be held at 9 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 30, from the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, 2599 Cranberry Hwy., Wareham, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, 82 High St., Wareham.

Visiting hours are from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 10 Speen St., Framingham, Mass. 01701.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

For directions and online guestbook, visit: www.ccgfuneralhome.com