Ronald David Odom

Ron began teaching at Robinson Elementary in Fairfield and attended the University of Montevallo to obtain his teaching credentials. He returned to Gadsden in 1972, taught at John Jones, Southside Elementary, Rainbow Middle, and Ivalee before retiring in 1995. He then became the art instructor at St. James Catholic School where he worked until last month.

Ron was a soccer coach for many years and began the first high school soccer team in Etowah County. He gave private art lessons for several years and was a math tutor. He also taught art at the Hardin Center for Cultural Arts and calligraphy for Continuing Education at Gadsden State and the OLLI program at the University Center.

He was a member of St. James Catholic Church, belonged to the Knights of Columbus, and served a term on the Parish Council.

A talented artist, Ron studied in New York under Daniel Green, who was the premier portrait artist in the country. Green encouraged him to specialize in children’s portraits. He completed over 40 during his career. He also designed and executed stained glass projects. In the last 4 years he had begun throwing pottery in his home studio where he also gave lessons.

Ron is survived by his wife Beryl, daughters Laura O’Bryant, Rachel Pierce, and son David; sons-in-law Codey O’Bryant and Isaac Pierce; granddaughters Kambrie and Harper O’Bryant; mother Jeanette Noblitt; sisters Patricia White and Diane Lamkin; and goddaughter Molly McCartney.

The family thanks the faculty, staff, and students at St. James for their love and support; Alacare nurse Missy Williams; and Drs. Middlebrooks (Dale), Morris (Juanita), Takeshian, and Snoddy, the Dream Team from St. Vincent’s East who gave him more years to enjoy life.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. James School.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015 at St. James Catholic School, 700 N Albert Rains Blvd, Gadsden, AL 35901. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the school. Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services will be directing.

Online condolences may be made at www.collier-butler.com.