WILBUR ODOM

Wilbur Odom, Sr. was affectionally known as "Sonny" by family and friends. He was born April 19, 1934 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Oscar Odom and Willie Clark Odom. Sonny was the youngest of the two children in his family.

Sonny attended the public elementary and junior high schools here and graduated from Phyllis Wheatly High School. He loved sports and played both football and basketball. He received a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff. Sonny was an avid sports fan and was always in attendance at the local junior high and high school basketball and football games especially the ones his son Wilbur Cornell played in.

Sonny accepted Christ at an early age at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church. He was 6 years old and this has been his only church home for 80 years. Sonny loved the Lord, his church, and church family. If you ever needed Sonny and he was not at home you could find him at the church. He spent many days and hours there ensuring it was always ready for services. Sonny was ordained as a Deacon on May 27, 1971 under the direction and leadership of the late Pastor Dr. L.A. Crenshaw. He worked in many positions within the church performing various duties: Chairman of the Deacon Board, Financial Secretary, member of the: Board of Trustees, the Brotherhood, Men Choir, Usher Board, Nurse Aid, and the church Custodial for many years (retiring September 16, 2018 due to his health). Sonny also cooked in the kitchen on special anniversary days and assisted with church fundraisers. He was proud of his church and loved to share that information with everyone he knew and met. Sonny was a true example of a servant for God and a great leader who led by example.

On October 8, 1952 he was hired at Alamo Iron Works in the Brass Foundry as a Melter & Crucible Tender. He held this position for 18 years. On January 6, 1977 Sonny obtained his Licensed Vocational Nursing degree from St. Phillips College. He was hired at the State School and retired after 23 years of service.

Sonny was the father of three children from a previous marriage: Gayle Johnson, Wendell Odom, and Wilbur Scott (deceased). In 1968, Sonny met Wilma Jean Davis at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church and they married on October 31, 1969. To this union, one child was born (Wilbur Cornell Odom) and there were 5 children Sonny raised as his own. Later in life, Sonny and Wilma devoted time to raising two of their grandchildren: Brian Sauls and Brittany (Sauls) Watson. Sonny and Wilma were married for 51 years until God called him home. He is truly missed by all of us.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Odom and Willie Clark Odom, 1 son, Wilbur Scott Odom, his grandmother Patsy McKnight Wilson, his sister .Delores Deese, one niece, Sandra Smith and one nephew-in-law Ronnie Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving & devoted wife, Wilma Jean Odom, 8 children: Gayle Johnson, Wendell Odom, Wilbur Cornell Odom (Patty) , Missy Smith (Pete), Frank Dachon Davis, Michael Davis (Charlotte), Sharon Davis, and Carla Sauls (Lawrence);  12 grandchildren: Teresa Johnson (Gerry), Latoya Young (Steven), Florida, Markeba Davis, Markeelah Davis, Herbert Smith, Jr (Mary), LaJarrett Smith (Amanda), Michael Dwayne Davis, Marcus King (Kassidy), Christopher Davis, Breshanna Maree (Chris), Brian Sauls (stationed at Fort Hood, Texas), and Brittany Sauls Watson (Zohn) (stationed at Fort Wamwright, Alaska); 2 nieces: Katina McFarland (James), Jasmine Wilson; 1 cousin: Frank Mitchell; a close friend: James; his church family, and a host of relatives and friends

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