Mr. Thomas Ray Odom, 75, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Bill Nichols State Veterans Hospital in Alexander City, Alabama on Friday, January 21st, 2022. A graveside service for Mr. Odom was held at 11 AM on Wednesday, January 26th, in Rutledge Cemetery with Brother Clay Crum and Rev. Charlie Sankey officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

Mr. Odom proudly served his country during the Vietnam Conflict with the United States Army, during which time he was awarded numerous medals and commendations including two Purple Hearts and the Bronze S tar. He later received a letter of recognition and congratulations from President George Bush in 1991 in honor of his achievements. After his service, Mr. Odom went to work with Crenshaw Chainsaw Company, where he quickly became known as the best repairman around. He later owned and operated Tommy’s Forest & Lawn Care, as well as Tommy’s Quick Change. In early 2000, he worked to create a memorial to honor all of our nation’s veterans in what became Luverne Memorial Park, a venture he remained dedicated to maintaining throughout his years. Above all, Mr. Odom was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family more than life itself. They always knew they could depend on him to be there for them as he served as the rock of their family for so many years. He will be sorely missed by all those who knew and cherished him so deeply.

Mr. Odom was preceded in death by his grandson, Rio Scott Campbell; son-in-law, Joseph R. Lester; parents, Preston Odom & Callie Mae Edwards & Emmett Defee; brother, Eugene Odom; and one infant brother. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, June Clements Odom; their daughters, Renee (Ray) Nassif, Cynthia Lester, Teressa (Carlton) Carmichael, and Tracey (Chris) Hamilton; grandchildren, Sean (Danna) Shumpert, Megan (Tad) Swartz, Second Lt. James (Iris) Lester, Jalecia & Trenton Willis, Danielle & Haden Culpepper, Stephanie (Brett) Hall, Codi Shumpert, Briana Odom, and Private Krishaun (Kaitlyn) Hamilton; great-grandchildren, Julian, Colton, Cameron, Riley, Brody, Lucas, McCoy, Josiah, and Baby Hall; sister, Dorris Looney; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and furbabies, George & Sissy.

Active pallbearers were Ray Nassif, Carlton Carmichael, Chris Hamilton, James Lester, Haden Culpepper, Brett Hall, Dale Powell, and Joe Allen Powell. Honorary pallbearers were Krishaun Hamilton, Sean Shumpert, and Tad Swartz.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org or Luverne Memorial Park.