Reverend Claude McCurtis Odom Jr.

REV. CLAUDE M. ODOM, JR

Rev. Claude McCurtis Odom, Jr. was born in Mobile, AL on December 26, 1927. He was the eldest of four children born to Claude and Margrett Odom, Sr. As a child, he grew up attending Big Zion African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. With an open heart, he accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized. He has been teaching and preaching ever since.

He attended Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School and Bishop College in Mobile, AL. He received his BA Degree from Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL. Later he received his master’s degree in Systems Management, from the University of Southern California. Along with his academic accomplishments he was also an avid Ham Radio Operator. He made friends all over the world with this amazing hobby!! He was a student of Science, Electronics, Physics, and Music. The only thing he enjoyed more than these subjects was having the blessings of teaching them to others! He served in the church as a Sunday School Superintendent and Associate Pastor. He also volunteered as a poll worker for public elections.

While in college, he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and served as Chaplin for 50 years.

His love for music started in church where he memorized and sang hymns. As a vocalist and clarinetist. He performed with many groups. His preferred genre was classical and jazz. He participated in the Heritage Park Quartet, Band and Christmas Choir. He also played in the Sacramento Symphonic Wind Band well into his late 80’s.

After graduating from Alabama State, he was employed at Mobile County Training School, as a high school teacher. This school was the first accredited high school for blacks in the State of Alabama. While teaching, he was drafted by the Army and served as Army Lieutenant Medic during the Korean War. Once the war ended, he stayed in the Army Reserves and attained the rank of Major. He worked as a civil servant at Keesler AFB; Brookley AFB; and was later transferred to McClellan AFB in Sacramento, CA. He retired, after 60 years of civil service, as Supervisor of the Engineering Section.

In 1951, Rev Odom married Vivian Ardyce Jones. They were blessed with three children: Ardyce, Claude III and Keith. This union lasted 54 years, until Vivian’s death in 2005.

He was one of the founders of Antioch Progressive Church.

On November 8, 2008, Rev Odom and Lavonia Silva united in holy matrimony. This union blended their relationship with her children: LaTwan Chisolm and Kyrun Silva. They enjoyed daily Bible Study, cruises, and travel throughout the United States.

Rev Odom was a Godly example to all!!! His profound belief in God’s Grace, Mercy and Love reflected his grateful heart and life.

September 21, 2021, Rev Odom became ill and was hospitalized for the first time in 93 years, at Kaiser Hospital. His illness lasted for three weeks, then he transitioned.

He leaves precious memories with his wife: Lavonia Odom; children: Ardyce(Cedric); Claude III; Keith(Beverly); LaTwan and Kyrun(Dia); several grandchildren; in laws; and a host of nieces; nephews; friends; and associates.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations for a scholarship, in memory of Rev Claude Odom, Jr to:

Alpha phi Alpha

Zeta Beta Lambda Foundation

PO Box 22261

Sacramento, CA 95864

DO NOT SEND CASH! ! ON THE MEMO OF THE CHECK/MONEY ORDER, WRITE: In Memory of Rev. Claude Odom, JR