Fredwin Mitchell Odom

He was born July 31, 1936 in Hot Springs, AR, to Otho and Marjorie Odom. He grew up in Walnut Ridge, AR, where he married his high school sweetheart, June Webb Odom – a union that lasted sixty years.

Fred earned a B.A. in journalism from Arkansas State University, then embarked on 30-year career in the U.S. Army. His many assignments included duty in Thailand, Germany, and two combat tours in Vietnam before retiring as a colonel. He cited the command of American Forces Network – Europe as the highlight of his time in uniform. He cared deeply for the members of this organization and they remain part of his extended family to this day.

His family and friends will remember his booming baritone voice, uncanny ability to recall facts, knack for storytelling, and sense of humor. He loved dogs, golf, music, and a good dry martini – but, nothing more than a day with June.

A loyal husband, father, grandfather and friend, he is survived by his wife, June; son, William O. Odom and his wife Aubrey of Norfolk, VA; daughter, Joy Odom Boisselle and her husband James of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Michael Odom and his wife Sarah, Erik Odom, Jennifer Boisselle, and Daniel Boisselle; and former daughter-in-law Jonnell Varley Odom.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name to the Pensacola Humane Society, 5 North Q Street, Pensacola, FL 32505.

A memorial service will be held on September 9 at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 N. New Warrington Rd: visitation at 2 p.m., service at 3 p.m. Oak Lawn Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.