Benjamin Donald Odom, 89, died peacefully on Thursday, August 4, 2016, at Alexian Village on Signal Mountain, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was a loving husband, a great father, and the best g-daddy a kid could have. He was adored by his family. At age 17 he joined the Navy and served his country in World War II aboard the USS Washington. He was a graduate of Tennessee Tech University where he played basketball, threw the disc and javelin, and enjoyed the Greek life. He began his career at the Nashville Gas Company and then worked for Robertshaw Controls Company where he retired in 1982. He then became self-employed as a national manufactures representative in the appliance industry where he was considered a “Captain of the Industry” as a mentor, friend, and ally. He was known to go “outback” with one of his best friends, Vestal Allen, otherwise known as playing golf. He was recently honored for his contribution and dedication to the Make a Wish Foundation. He was a member of Broad Street United Methodist Church and a member of Wesley Sunday School Class.
He was preceded in death by parents, Dallas and Virginia Odom, step-son, Chris Cartwright, twin brother, Dudley M. Odom, and sister, Ann Claire Odom.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Oma Lee Matthews Odom of Cleveland; son, Dan Odom and wife Lisa of Signal Mountain; three grandchildren, Kody Odom, Lauren Odom, and Daniel Odom all of Signal Mountain; brother, Wade Odom and wife Jane of Cookeville, TN; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews also survive.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 7, in the chapel of the Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Reverend. Randy Martin officiating and his grandchildren delivering the eulogy.
The family will receive friends on Sunday prior to the service from 5-7 p.m.
Friends and family are welcome to attend the graveside service on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 203. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, 6005 Century Oakes Drive, Suite 500, Chattanooga, TN 37416, or the University of Tennessee/ Erlanger Cardiology Education Foundation, C-520, 979 E. 3rd Street Chattanooga, TN 37403.