William Clyde Odor

William Clyde Odor, 94, of Bradenton, FL, passed away on December 13, 2023, in Sun City Center, FL. “Bill” was born William Clyde Odor to Mabel M. Schlecht Odor and Elbert P. Odor on April 26, 1929. He married Sandra L. Odor on February 19,1983 in Tampa, Florida.

Bill graduated from Jefferson High School, receiving his diploma while in the Army. He was a veteran of World War II and served in the Army with the 505th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division as a Military Policeman, and was also a qualified Parachutist and Light Machine Gunner and was awarded the World War II Victory medal. After his military service ended, Bill went to work at the Tampa Shipyard.

During the 1950’s he and his friend Professor Ed Maley started the first Dojo in Tampa, where he became an accomplished instructor of Judo, Jiu Jitsu, and Karate. Bill and his brother Ray Odor were avid scuba divers and together began a salvage diving company called “Tampa Skin Diver”. During his time as a salvage diver, he helped develop what was known as the “Odor-Lung” that they used in their deep dive operations. This device aided Bill in recovering drowning victims for Hillsborough County Fire Rescue. Bill was president of the “Tampa Ski Bees” water ski club for several years. He performed in many water ski events and flew his own hand made delta wing and flat wing kites at Gasparilla parades and Cypress Gardens events. At the same time, Bill worked as a mill rite for more than 30 years for the American Can Company. After retiring from American Can Company, Bill became a Real Estate salesman for Bob Hatton Realty, Inc. and then became a realtor himself and opened his Real Estate company “Bill Odor Realty, Inc.” where he specialized in commercial Real Estate.

In 1993 Bill retired from Real Estate to spend his time doing what he loved most, FISHING. He was a proud member of Brandon Masonic Lodge No. 114, Egypt Temple Shriners, The Scottish Rite of Free Masonry, Brandon Shrine Club, Masonic Low Twelve Club, and Pine Island Moose Lodge 1954.

William Clyde Odor is preceded in death by (Mother) Mabel M. Schlecht Odor; (Father) Elbert P. Odor; (Brothers) Jack J. Moore (Betty) and Raymond E. Odor (Shirley); (Grandparents) William C. Schlecht (Clara). William Clyde Odor is survived by (Spouse of 40 years) Sandra L. Odor; (Daughters) Billie V. Odor and Terre Odor Parrish (Tom); (Stepchildren) Tiffany L. Decker (Aaron) and Nathan T. Simmers; (Sister) Donna Odor Carter (Mike); (Brother) Elbert “Pat” Odor (Marcia); (3) Grandchildren; (5) Step- Grandchildren; (7) Great-Grandchildren; (1) Great-Great Grandchild.