Clinzo O'Daniels "Big O"

Ollie Clinzo O'Daniels, also known as Big O, 92, of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on August 23, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of love, wisdom, service, and unforgettable memories.

Born to Samuel and Molivia ODaniels, Clinzo lived a life that was rich not only in years, but in purpose. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, veteran, mentor, and friend. To know Clinzo was to know a man who carried himself with quiet strength, kindness, and grace.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army, receiving an honorable discharge after a distinguished military career. He later retired from General Motors, where his strong work ethic and dedication were evident throughout the years.

Clinzo was a well-known and deeply respected man. He had a calm and peaceful nature and rarely allowed conflict to disturb his spirit. He was upbeat, joyful, loving, and easy to be around. He had a way of making people feel comfortable in his presence, and his steady, positive spirit was something his family could always count on.

One of the greatest gifts Clinzo gave his family was his belief in them. He strongly valued education and consistently encouraged his children, grandchildren, and generations after them to go to school, work hard, dream big, and believe they could become whatever they wanted to be. He did not place limits on their dreams. Instead, he pushed them to see more for themselves and to understand that their possibilities were endless.

His words, his encouragement, and the example he set became part of the foundation on which his family built their own lives.

Clinzo also knew how to enjoy life. Two of his greatest passions were golf and bowling. He was an accomplished bowler whose talent and dedication earned him a place in the Bowling Hall of Fame. Whether he was on the golf course, at the bowling alley, spending time with family, or simply enjoying a good day, Clinzo brought his own quiet joy to every space he entered.

Above all, Clinzo was a family man.

He shared his life with his beloved wife, Lessie Mae O'Daniels, and together they built a family whose roots now extend through multiple generations. His family was a source of great pride, and the values he lived by—love, perseverance, education, peace, and determination—will continue through those he leaves behind.

Clinzo was preceded in death by his children, Michael O'Daniels, Russel O'Daniels, and Alfreda McArthur; his sisters, Viola Bailey and DeLois Tyson; his brothers, Harry, Norman, Cecil, and Melvin O'Daniels; along with other beloved family members and loved ones who went before him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lessie Mae O'Daniels; his grandchildren, Shaunta Harris and spouse Lesley Harris, Shawana Campbell, Shalonda Campbell, Shannon Harris, and Akela Buckley; his sisters, Bessie Peoples, Sarah Young, Samearl Johnson, and Barbara Jackson; 16 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

For 92 years, Ollie Clinzo O'Daniels A.K.A. Big O gave this world the gift of his presence. His life cannot be measured only by the years he lived, but by the people he touched, the family he encouraged, the example he set, and the love he gave so freely.

His family will remember his calm spirit. They will remember his smile and positive nature. They will remember the way he encouraged them to reach higher. They will remember a man who believed in them, sometimes even before they fully believed in themselves.

Though his physical presence will be deeply missed, the lessons he taught will remain. His voice will live on in every reminder to keep going, to get an education, to work hard, to remain peaceful, and to never be afraid to become all that you are capable of becoming.

Clinzo leaves behind more than memories.

He leaves a legacy.

A legacy of service. A legacy of strength. A legacy of peace. A legacy of love.

And most importantly, just like when he was bowling, his motto was to never leave a bowling pin behind, he only wanted to leave behind a better rooted family!