Elmer James Odom

Elmer James Odom, age 74, a lifelong resident of Cleveland, passed away at his home on Monday, April 10, 2006 surrounded by his family. He fought a valiant battle against lung cancer. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He had a passion for crappie fishing, loved the outdoors, and had an extraordinary ability to repair almost anything. Mr. Odom retired from Bowater after 40 years of service. He began work at Bowater just prior to the plant opening in May 1954 and worked his way up from the Groundwood Department to foreman in TMP plant. He was a member of Big Springs United Methodist Church for 60 years. His parents, Caney S. and Bessie Poe Odom, preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Harley Odom, sister, Irene Odom Renslow, brother-in-law, J. L. Renslow, and father-in-law, Ernest Evans. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Geraldine "Jerry" Evans Odom of Cleveland; two sons: Dennis Odom, and Randy Odom and his wife Christie, all of Cleveland; two daughters and their families: Sharon and David Marr and their daughter, Emily Marr, all of Cleveland, and Teresa and Ronnie Swilling of Crandal, GA; sister and brother-in-law: Pearl and Charles Howard of Cleveland; mother-in-law: Lillis Evans of Cleveland; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Brian Mowery and Pastor Billy Kurtz officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with the release of a flock of white doves concluding the service. Pallbearers will be Jim Odom, Bill Odom, Steve Howard, Phil Howard, Paul Howard and Bill Millaway. His family will receive friends from 6 ? 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. His family requests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society for Research, 850 Fortwood Street, Chattanooga TN 37403, or to a charity of your choice.