O'Dell's tenure with WGN concluded on December 12, 2008, with his final broadcast from the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, Illinois.
[3] Spike O'Dell was born the son of East Moline Police Chief Merle and Dot O’Dell, along with siblings John and Jeni.
O'Dell worked summers on a garbage truck and was a security guard at International Harvester in Rock Island, Illinois when he took a part-time job at WEMO-FM radio.
[6] In 2008, O'Dell made the decision to retire "on a high note," during a successful time of his career, to move to Nashville and be closer to his children, Michael and Caroline.
[5] His last was on December 12, 2008, and was broadcast at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, Illinois, in front of a live studio audience filled with his listeners.