Orell Mallory

Orell Mallory of Seattle, WA passed away peacefully on August 18, 2019. He was born to Walter Leon and Odee Mallory of Arkansas on Sept. 28 1924. Orell’s parents and his sisters, Ernestine and Barbara, preceded him in death.

At the age of 16, Orell, claiming to be 19 on his draft registration, enlisted in  the Army during World War 2 and was sent to Europe to serve. Following WW2 Orell returned reluctantly to the United States. As so often was the case for Black soldiers returning from the war he was not met with honor or respect but with discrimination, prejudice, and disrespect. Orell often shared with others that he could not even walk into a restaurant and order a hamburger when he returned home, but in Europe he was called ‘Monsieur’.  

When the Korean War started in 1950, Orell saw this as a great opportunity, so he gladly re-enlisted. He served in Japan until 1952.  After his tour of duty was over, Orell took a ship from Yokohama, Japan to Seattle. There he met, married and later divorced Mary Conner.

Orell was a faithful and dedicated employee of the United States Post Office in Seattle for many years. His main leisure activity was keeping up on sports. He also travelled some. Orell was a kind and caring man, always readily sharing himself and his possessions. His gifts to humanity included giving to families in his neighborhood as well as  ‘fostering’ several children in Africa and South America.

After he retired from the Post Office, Orell had an active social life with numerous friends and acquaintances from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. However, the last 15 years, he struggled daily to live through the pain and discomfort of a severe case of Shingles which led to him becoming more and more home bound. In the last year, at 94, Orell developed a case of congestive heart failure which often comes with aging.  He claimed that he had been ready to go a long time, because he had lived a long and good life. Months later after several medical crises, Orell’s strong body and mind let go and he went peacefully from this world.

Orell Mallory leaves behind many relatives and friends throughout many states, too numerous to list.

In his last several years he was comforted weekly and monthly by several long time friends: Francisco, Gwen, Mike and others who, knowing how independent he had always been, were at his side, time to time, to aid him. These kept vigil with him even during his last days.

There are so many things one can miss about this man who had many friends, and was gentle and thoughtful with his life, even to the last. And, who, just days ago in his bed of decline clapped his hands and thanked Jesus for his long and enjoyed prosperity. The gift of life was his for 94 years; may life as long as Orell’s be granted to each of you who loved and walked beside him.

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Special thanks to Kaiser Permanente, and all medical, social, and associated agency staff who were of service to Orell over the long years in which he was a member of their hospital and clinics. He was well served by them.

Thanks, also, to the staff at Northwest Hospital, UW, those who directed his care, and those who watched over Orell all those hours when we were not present. During Orell’s stay they performed professional communications with our family, as well as gave genuine medical care to Orell.

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Please visit Orell’s Tribute Wall, above, to share your condolences & fond memories of him with his Family & Friends.

Care & Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services of West Seattle.

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