CORDELE - Leon Odom of Cordele, Georgia, passed away at his residence on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at the age of 90. His final days were spent surrounded by his family. He was a graduate of Cordele High School and the University of Georgia, and he proudly served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957.

A service to honor his life will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Sunnyside Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia. Family and friends are invited to gather following the graveside service at Sunnyside Cemetery.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth Hunter Odom and Leon Dow Odom Sr.; the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Jeri Odom; and his brother, Charles Odom.

To his family and friends, Leon was more than a father, grandfather, or neighbor – he was a storyteller, a jokester, and a steady presence. He loved nothing more than a gathering of friends and family, sharing old stories that seemed to grow better with every retelling, accompanied by his trademark belly laugh and a sparkle in his eyes as if he were living it all over again.

The outdoors was his favorite place to be - whether sitting in a deer stand, fishing, or enjoying Lake Blackshear from his back porch. Leon was an avid outdoorsman and bow hunter. Some of his happiest days were spent at the deer camp exploring the woods, or in Astor, Florida, fishing on the St. Johns River. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life and was an encyclopedia of knowledge about all types of wildlife and "random facts" (If you know you know).

Above all else, Leon's love for family was the thread that tied everything together. Being a husband, father, and grandfather was his greatest joy, and he never missed a chance to be present for the moments that mattered most. He especially cherished his late wife, Jeri - their marriage stood as a lasting example of devotion, partnership, and a love that spanned a lifetime.

Leon is survived by his daughter, Dana Krause (Rusty); two granddaughters, Ellie Tompkins (Cam) and Maddie Parker (Jim); his sister Connie Mercer (Clay); his brother Ronnie Odom (Kathy); and many nieces and nephews.

He leaves behind not only his family, but also countless friends and loved ones whose lives were brighter because of him. His legacy of love, laughter, and togetherness will continue for generations.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to his caregivers and the hospice team who walked alongside him with such kindness, compassion, and respect. Their care brought comfort and peace not only to him, but also to all of us who loved him.

Memorial donations may be made to Crisp Regional Hospice and Palliative Care, 202 East 4th Avenue, Cordele, GA, 31015, or to Cordele First Church, 302 East 12th Avenue, Cordele, GA 31015

For those who wish to express online condolences, please visit www.hughesandwright.com. Hughes & Wright Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with these arrangements.

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