It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ode Fugate, age 82, of Jackson, Kentucky. Ode passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Mayfair Manor Rehabilitation Center in Lexington, Kentucky following an extended illness.
Ode was a devoted husband and father who dearly loved visits from family and friends. One of his favorite jobs was greeting folks at Walmart, where he enjoyed meeting new people and sharing a friendly smile. He was a faithful Christian and a proud member of the Faith Pentecostal Church. Ode gladly gave of his time to serve his church family, whether it was cooking, cleaning, greeting, or driving the church van. He had a special love for his cats and dogs like no other. In his later years, he devoted himself to caring for his wife, and even as his own health declined, he lovingly cared for his late son. Ode was always willing to give whatever he had to anyone in need. If you met him even once, he would never forget your face or your name, and because of him, you could never say you didn't have at least one friend.
Ode was preceded in death by his son; Gary Fugate, his mother and father; Lillie and James X. Fugate. his mother and father-in-law; Eva and Albert Hensley, his brothers: Odell Fugate (Alice) and Franklin Fugate (Mary), his sisters; Dorothy White (Donard), Anna Jean Barnett (Bobby), Ethel Bennett (Sid), Rhonda Eaton (Johnny), and his sister; Barbara Jean Fugate, who passed away at birth.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years; Mary Lillian Hensley-Fugate, his sons; Jamison Chase Fugate (Jennifer) of Jackson, Kentucky, Jeffrey Duncan (Cheryl) of Paris, Kentucky, and his daughter; Cindy Bowling (Jim) of Jackson, Kentucky. His Brother; Haven Fugate. Ode is also survived by his grandchildren; Jeffrey Jr., Brandon (Stephanie), Justin (Beth), Alden (Sarah), Saylor (Trey), Brodie, Bentley, Jaylee, Chase Jr., and Abram, as well as his great grandchildren; Chloe, Grayson, Logan, Oakland, and Hudson. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, all of who will carry his memory in their hearts.
Funeral Services will be held at Watts Funeral Home in Jackson, Kentucky on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. with Jerry Henson and Anthony Mullins officiating followed by burial in McIntosh Cemetery at Clayhole, Kentucky. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.
Pallbearers will be friends and family lead by Terry "Head Honcho" Moore
Ode's memory will live on through his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.
