Mr. Jerry Odom, 77, of Swainsboro, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2024, at his residence following an extended illness. Funeral service was held Tuesday, April 9, at 2 p.m. at Emanuel Christian Ministries with Reverend Joe Bedgood and Pastor Bo Fordham officiating. Interment followed in Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum in Swainsboro. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 8, at Chapman Funeral Home.
Pallbearers were William Nasworthy, Lionel Odom, Marcio Silva, Dustin Lewis, Daniel Moxley, Alf Wimberly, Tony Hutcheson and Jimmy Bush. Honorary pallbearers were Dewey Moxley, Gary Hodges, Derwin Johnson, Tim Coleman, and current and retired Swainsboro Fire Department employees.
Mr. Odom was born April 17, 1946, in Swainsboro, to Bennett Odom and Dallas Peacock Odom. He was a retired Fire Chief from Swainsboro Fire Department. In Jerry’s time as chief, he saved many lives and fought many fires. He loved his job. Jerry also enjoyed dirt track racing where he drove his beloved #71 at his second home, Swainsboro Raceway. After retiring, he enjoyed fishing, spending time with family and friends, and was an active deacon at Emanuel Christian Ministries. Jerry loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He will always be remembered as a jokester and loved to make people laugh. Mr. Odom is preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Juanita Moxley and Jeanette Davis; brothers, Thetus Odom, Delmas Odom, Carlton Odom, Winky Odom and Ben Odom.
Mr. Odom is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carolyn Odom of Swainsboro; daughter, Melissa Farthing (Kip) of Canoochee; brother, Barry Odom of Swainsboro; granddaughters, Carla Womack (Olin Cowart) of Midville, Carmon Wentzel (Chris) of Swainsboro and Mary Farthing (Jacob Mason) of Canoochee; great-grandchildren, Jada Lewis, Raylin Womack, Jake Lewis and Mack Mills; several nieces, nephews and many friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to F.I.R.E Emanuel County Burn Foundation, 205 N. Green St., Swainsboro, GA 30401.
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.
