Hubert Lonnie Odom

On October 6, 2023, Hubert Lonnie Odom, 86, a pillar of the community in Hohenwald, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family. Born on June 1, 1937, in Hohenwald, he lived a life filled with hard work, service, and family.

Lonnie was the son of the late Alonzo Odom and Annie Staggs. He was preceded in death by his spouses Shirley Gauthier, Mary Ruth Odom, and Betty Fay Odom, as well as his son Billy Seymour, brothers James, George Ray, Sandy Willis, and Lester Odom, brother-in-law Cecil Baker, and special friends Jim Oliver, Ishmael Bunch, Tom Libich, and Burrell Brown. He is survived by his sons Rodney (Angela) Odom, Sam (Shirley) Odom, and Randy (Julie) Seymour; daughter Ida Schaub; brother Gene Odom; stepdaughter Kimberly (James) Tatum; 12 grandchildren Janet Odom, Jennifer Knowlton, Jake Odom, Rudy Knowlton, Kari Fosnight, Dezaray Runions, Kristie Schaub, Chris Shupiery, Tessa Seymour, Caitlin Haddock, Caleb Odom and Erik Odom, 22 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren, special caretakers Pam Holder and Julie & Brittany with Caris Healthcare.

Lonnie Odom is remembered as a successful entrepreneur and a dedicated community servant. He owned and operated Odom's Jr. Mart convenience store from 1977-1997, making it a saving grace for many struggling families by extending credit for groceries until the next paycheck. Lonnie & Ruth Odom always prioritized the needs of community members, keeping the store open when others weren't and ensuring it closed exactly at 10:00 PM every night. In 1997, after Mrs. Ruth's eyesight began to decline, he sold Odom's Jr. Mart and opened Odom's Guns in the adjacent building. There he operated 6 days a week religiously from 9:00 a.m, to 4:30 p.m., rain or shine.

His impact on Hohenwald extended beyond his businesses. He served as a constable for Lewis County for 28 years. He was a charter member of the Bank of Lewis County. He, along with special friends Phil Thomas, Nayman Skelton, Ronnie Scaife and Don Scaife, founded the Grinders Creek Hunting Club. After that land was sold, Lonnie set out on a venture to find more hunting grounds. It was at that time, that he founded the Krazy Horse Hunting Club, overseeing 3000+ acres on Waynesboro Highway and presiding as its President for over 20 years. He also embarked on a yearly pheasant hunting trip to Winner, South Dakota, a cherished tradition that was eagerly anticipated each year for 24+ years. This trip was enjoyed by many special friends such as Jim Oliver, Ishmael Bunch, Tom Alford, Mike James, G.Y. Bennett, Junior Davis, Darryl Mayberry, Terry Bunch, Vince Hinson, and many others. Mike Dryer, a landowner in Winner, South Dakota, also became a cherished friend throughout the years. In 2016, 3 generations of Odom's headed to South Dakota, on what would be Lonnie's last pheasant hunt.

He also took great pleasure in gardening, especially growing corn and some of the biggest Charleston Grey watermelons. Many questions were answered, and problems solved, sitting at the picnic tables behind his house, eating a ruby red, super sweet Charleston Grey watermelon. If one tried, they never could count the number of seeds that were spit on the ground at those picnic tables.

Lonnie Odom was not just a resident of Hohenwald, he was a part of its fabric. He was a provider, a protector, and a friend to many. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled.

Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, October 10, at McDonald Funeral Home. Burial followed in the Brown Cemetery on Cathy's Creek.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Lewis County Cancer Victims Fund.