Obituary of Olen Cassell

Psalm 23 ~ one of his favorite chapters in the Bible: The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with; they rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Olen was saved on Mother's Day morning, 1961 and began preaching shortly after that wonderful day. He served the Lord, walked with the Lord and lived his life trusting in Him for over 50 years. He was a man of Love, Wisdom, Integrity, Guidance, and had Faith so strong in his Lord and Savior. He shared so much love with his family and loved spending time with all of them. He taught them to Trust and Follow God daily. He was our HERO and the Rock of his family. He truly was a one of a kind Husband, Daddy, Pap, Father-in-law, Great Grandpappy, Uncle and Brother. Above all of this, he was a True Man of God. He preached it, believed and lived it for all to see. He spent the last 22 years of his ministry serving as Pastor at Chestnut Grove Community Church in Hansonville, VA. He served his church and the people Faithfully with Love and Compassion. He loved the people and treasured the time they spent together in God's House. He was self-employed for many years. He was the owner of several convenience stores. Many people knew him from the store he started, Handy Andy in Bloomingdale. Most recently he was the owner of Kingsport's Kar Korner. He opened the car lot in January 1985, and spent countless hours meeting many people. The "lot" became a place for many people to gather with him, for advice, for guidance, for comfort, for love and just the great pleasure of his company. He enjoyed life to the fullest. His hobbies were serving his church, flying an airplane, nice cars and riding his Harley. He went to be with his Savior on December 24, 2014. He will be truly missed and loved forever by his family and many, many friends. Rev. Olen was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Dorothy Geneva Wilson Cassell in 2007 after 52 years of marriage; his parents, James & Mamie Cassell; five brothers, Junior, H.F., Dary, Hubert, and Jack. Surviving are his wife Gayle McGlothlin Cassell, of the home, two sons, Steve Cassell & wife Lavanna of Mt. Carmel, TN, Joe Cassell & wife Angela of Kingsport; two daughters, Gail Cross, of Nashville, TN, Kim McCann & husband, Joe of Mt. Carmel, TN; step children include, Greg & Edie McGlothlin of Kingsport and Gena & Joe Martin of Limestone, TN; grandchildren: Wesley Cassell (Michelle), Jessica Poff (Adam), Joshua Carter (Amy), Jeremy Cassell (Jennifer), Jonathan Carter (Stepfanie), Lindsey Tupper (Josh), Katie Brooke McCann, Hayden Cassell, and Logan Cassell, Step Grandson: Gaines McGlothlin; five great-grandchildren, three great grandchildren (Arriving soon.); along with several nieces, nephews, sisters- in- law and brothers in law. Also surviving are special friends who are like brothers, Lyons Smith and Lowell Grizzle, who have been there his entire life, and his dear friend John Collins. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2014 from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm at Higher Ground Baptist Church, 1625 Lynn Garden Drive, Kingsport with funeral services conducted at 6:00 pm in the church sanctuary with Pastor Lyons Smith, officiating, assisted by Pastor Andy Sensbaugh and Evangelist Jerry Scalf, and prayer by Pastor Josh Carter. Music will be provided by Chestnut Grove Quartet, The Benton's, and granddaughters- Katie McCann and Jessica Poff. A graveside services will be held on Monday, December 30, 2014, at 11:00 am at Oak Hill Memorial Park, Kingsport with Wesley Cassell, Jeremy Cassell, Joshua Carter, Jonathan Carter, Hayden Cassell, Logan Cassell, Adam Poff, Josh Tupper, and Gaines McGlothlin serving as pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Men of Chestnut Grove and his nephews. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the family of Rev. Olen Cassell.