Robert Allen Odom

Robert Allen Odom, who had just celebrated his 75th birthday, lost a courageously-fought battle with cancer but gained entrance to his Lord's Kingdom as he passed away on Wednesday, November 21, 2018. Affectionately known as "Papa" to the many who loved him, he leaves behind his beloved wife, Jeanette (Crews) Odom, to whom he was married for more than 46 years. Born in Darlington on November 19, 1943, Robert was the son of Henry F. and Myrtis E. (McDonald) Odom, both of Darlington, and is predeceased by his brother, Henry T. "Tommy" (Diane) Odom, of Hartsville, SC. Robert attended Darlington's St. Johns High School and joined the service of his country in the U.S. Navy, where he earned the rank of E-6 Petty Officer First Class during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War as an Avionics Electrician aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. His fondest memories during his 10 years of active duty were of his travels in the Mediterranean Sea and the naval port of Naples, Italy. Following his naval service, he returned to Darlington and joined R. B. Pond Construction Company, operated his own over-the-road trucking business, and also worked at Farmer's Hardware. He ended his working career at Gateway Supply Company, where he retired as Manager in 2005. Robert loved the outdoors and enjoyed deer hunting, fishing at Santee, Hobie Cat sailboat racing, and many post-retirement golf outings with his friends. He also was a champion go-cart racer, and taught his boys how to work on just about anything that could go wrong with a car or around the house. Robert loved his Lord and will always be remembered by his many friends at Temple Free Will Baptist Church, where he and his wife, Jeanette, were members for more than 40 years. Robert served in a number of capacities over those years, including Chairman of the General Board on several occasions, and was active in their Master's Men Fellowship and as a Sunday School teacher. Many who knew him remarked of his being inspirational to their spiritual lives. Robert leaves behind: a son, Robby (Connie) Odom of Belmont, NC; and two step-sons, Mauro (Michelle) Crews and James S. Harper, Jr., both of Darlington. He also leaves his love, and wishes of fond memories he shared with them, to his six grandchildren: Chris Odom, Alexander Crews, Caeli Crews, Evan Crews, Kryctine Matthews, and Whitney Matthews. His love also extends to his five great-grandchildren: Gavin Crews, Natalie Matthews, Damien Cook, Jaxen Moxley, and Thomas Moxley, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral arrangements are being conducted by Belk Funeral Home of Darlington and will be held in the sanctuary of Temple Free Will Baptist Church, located at 1660 N. Governor Williams Highway, Darlington, SC. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m., and his Homegoing Funeral Service will commence at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 26, 2018. In lieu of flowers, Robert's wishes were that memorials be made to the Temple FWB Church Debt Retirement account.

Visitation

NOV 26. 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Temple Free Will Baptist Church 1660 N. Governor Williams Hwy. Darlington, SC, 29540

Service

NOV 26. 3:00 PM

Temple Free Will Baptist Church 1660 N. Governor Williams Hwy. Darlington, SC, 29540