Mr. Thomas “Tom” Maeward Odom, ….

Mr. Thomas “Tom” Maeward Odom, age 89, of Vidalia, died Thursday, November 4, 2021, at the Community Hospice House in Vidalia after a brief illness. He was a native of Montgomery County, born in the Kibbee Community, and raised most of his life in Toombs County. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Navy and bravely fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. After leaving the military, he settled in Los Angeles County, California, where he raised his daughter, Patty Jo, and eventually returned home to Vidalia later in life, where he retired as a truck driver for Yellow Freight Company. He was a long standing and faithful member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks while in California. He had a passion as an amateur “HAM” radio operator under his license “WB6LPR”. He enjoyed fishing, telling jokes and making people laugh. He loved spending time with his family and particularly enjoyed the annual reunion held at Lake Odom in Ashland, Alabama. He is preceded in death by a daughter, Patty Jo Odom Avon; his parents, Thomas Edmon (T.E.) Odom and Lilly Mae Criswell Odom; a sister, Joyce Odom Harbin; and a brother, Neron “Cotton” Odom.

His family includes his wife, Lena Taylor Odom of Vidalia; one sister, Kay Odom Milligan of Nolansville, Tennessee; one brother, James Odom of Ashland, Alabama; special great-nephew and caretaker, Jason Colbert and Scott Phillips of Vidalia; three stepchildren, Kim Freeman of Vidalia, Debra Kight of Statesboro, and Louie Kight of LaGrange; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside funeral service was held Sunday afternoon, November 7, 2021, at 3:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Cemetery with Reverend John Daughtry officiating.

Pallbearers were Carson Colbert, Conner Colbert, Tommy Odom, Jamason Odom, Blake Odom, Brandon McVey and Scott Cook.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Community Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475.

Ronald V. Hall

FUNERAL HOME

'Memories, of a Lifetime of Love'

Full Paid Obituary

Mr. Thomas Odom