Thomas P. "Tommy" Odom
Class of 1959
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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
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