In Memoriam

 

Thomas P. "Tommy" Odom
Thomas P. "Tommy" Odom
Class of 1959


 


Chesapeake - Thomas P. Odom Sr., age 71, passed away on Sunday, May 20, 2012 surrounded by loving family. Mr. Odom was a member of Western Branch Community Church.


Born in Portsmouth VA, he was the son of Bernard and Margaret Odom. He is survived by his wife, Claudia of 50 years; son Mark of Portsmouth; son Tommy Jr and daughter-in-law Cynthia of Chesapeake; grandchildren Joshua; Jacob; Ashley Barbeau (Chris), Austen and Mikayla; Kari Dobzynski (David) of Suffolk; sister Mary Murphy (Ken) of Suffolk; and brother-in-law Bill Turner of Virginia Beach.


He attended Cradock High School, Presbyterian College, Apprentice School NNSY, and Old Dominion University. He began his 40-year career in government service as a Shipfitter at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. He was promoted to SUPSHIP Portsmouth and worked in various positions including Project Manager on many Navy ship overhauls. Mr. Odom retired after serving 12 years as the Deputy to the Commanding Officer, Supervisor of Shipbuilding Conversion and Repair, Portsmouth VA. He was often requested to serve on committees and work groups for the Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington DC, including BRAC-directed reorganization, Inspector General Review boards, and environmental remediation of Naval Shipyards in Charleston and Mayer Island. Upon retirement he was awarded the Superior Civilian Service Award for service to the Navy. During his career years he was a member of the American Society of Naval Engineers.
His recreation time in his adult years was spent playing basketball, tennis, golf, and boating on the Chesapeake Bay. He served on the Board of Directors for the Marlin Club. He and his wife Claudia traveled extensively and enjoyed many adventures.


As a lifelong Christian he was dedicated to serving the Lord and to the mission of Western Branch Community Church where he served on the Board of Directors, as a Community Group Leader and CORE Team Leader. Through grace he rests in peace.


A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at Western Branch Community Church by Pastor Jim Wall. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Sturtevant Funeral Home, Portsmouth Blvd. Chapel Wednesday from 6 - 8 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the "Hope Unleashed" fund at Western Branch Community Church.
www.SturtevantFuneralHome.com

Published in The Virginian Pilot on May 21, 2012