Odis Leroy Ervin

Odis Leroy Ervin was born on April 8, 1949, in Waco, Texas, to Nathaniel Ervin and Flossie Ervin (née Martin). He passed away on January 27, 2026, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas.

Family

Odis was preceded in death by his ex-wife, Dorothy Ervin, his parents, Nathaniel and Flossie Ervin, and his siblings:

• Willie Ervin

• Benjamin Ervin

• Nathaniel Ervin Jr.

• Alvin Ervin

• James Ervin

• Doris Ervin

• Juanita Ervin

• Margaret Butler

• Opal Ervin

Odis was one of fourteen children and was deeply rooted in family.

Education, Athletics, and Early Career

Odis attended A.J. Moore High School in Waco, Texas, where he distinguished himself both academically and athletically. A talented baseball player, he played first base and outfield, earning recognition for his skill, discipline, and sportsmanship. His abilities earned him a baseball scholarship to Texas Southern University.

While at Texas Southern University, Odis excelled both on the baseball field and in the classroom. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business, demonstrating a strong commitment to academic achievement. Following his collegiate career, he went on to play one year of minor league baseball in the Chicago Cubs organization, a testament to his perseverance and love for the game.

Professional Career

In the early 1970s, following his baseball career, Odis began his professional journey in Waco, Texas, as a team member at Church’s Chicken, quickly demonstrating his strong work ethic, dedication, and reliability. Over the years, his leadership skills and business acumen led him to manage multiple stores in Waco, Texas; Temple, Texas; and Nashville, Tennessee, consistently increasing their volume and success.

Odis’s ambition and expertise eventually led him to become the owner of a Church’s Chicken franchise in LaPlace, Louisiana, a role he approached with the same dedication and excellence that defined his entire career. Later, he moved to back to Texas and worked for Williams Chicken of Dallas, TX. Eventually he founded and proudly operated Ervin’s Fried Chicken, where he provided opportunities, mentorship, and inspiration to many in Temple, TX and the surrounding community. Throughout his professional life, he was known for his dependability, mentorship, leadership, and commitment to excellence, leaving a lasting impact on colleagues, employees, and the communities he served.

Personal Legacy and Hobbies

Odis Leroy Ervin was more than a successful businessman—he was a pillar of his community. Many in Temple, Texas, and beyond fondly referred to him as a legend, a testament to the impact he had on everyone who knew him. Known for his kindness, wisdom, generosity, and mentorship, Odis touched countless lives through both his personal and professional endeavors.

In the little spare time he had, Odis loved a game of pickup basketball, where he would truly own the court, showcasing the same competitiveness, skill, and spirit that defined his life. He was deeply committed to his family, his employees, and his community, leaving a legacy of love, respect, and inspiration that will be remembered for generations.

He is survived by his daughter, Rachel Ervin Herrera and his son-in-law Jonathon Herrera, who reside in Austin, Texas, and by his siblings:

• Charles Ervin, Dallas, Texas

• Roosevelt Ervin, Temple, Texas

• Wanda Alexander, Waco, Texas

• Theodore Ervin, Sacramento, California