Dr. Don Odom, dean of the Winters School of Music and Ministry Studies at William Carey University, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 7, 2017. He was 61 years old.
A celebration of life service will be held at the Thomas Fine Arts Building on the campus of William Carey University on Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 9:30-11 a.m.
Dr. Odom grew up in Pascagoula and Vancleave, Mississippi. He was a graduate of Vancleave High School (’73), Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (’75), William Carey University (’78, ‘80), and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary (‘91).
Dr. Odom began his ministry career as minister of music and youth at several different churches in Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. He served First Baptist Church, Bayou La Batre, AL; First Baptist Church, Sumrall; First Baptist Church, Houston, MS, and Lakeview Baptist Church, New Orleans, LA.
His academic career began in 1991 as professor of voice at the Baptist College of Florida in Graceville, Florida. In 2000, he became the chair of the Music and Worship Division. In 2010, Dr. Odom returned to his alma mater to become dean of the Winters School of Music and Ministry Studies at William Carey University in Hattiesburg.
Dr. Odom is survived by Sarah, his wife of 38 years; daughter, Ashley, of Tallahassee, Florida; and son, Jarrod, of Hattiesburg. He is also survived by his mother, Lochia Odom, of Vancleave; brother, Mark Odom (Kristine); and nieces Olivia, Emma, and Maggie Odom of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Dr. Odom was preceded in death by his father, Doyle Odom, and his sister, Amy.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Steinway Piano Project at William Carey University. Donations can be mailed to Mr. Dean Pace, the Annual Fund Director, to the following address:
WCU Box 141
710 William Carey Parkway
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Mr. Pace can be contacted at 601-318-6542 or by email at
dpace@wmcarey.edu.