Robert Washington Odham

Robert Washington Odham, Jr., 89, of Gray, died Saturday, December 29, 2012 at the Holston Valley Medical Center. He was a native of Smyth County, Virginia, son of the late Robert W. Odham, Sr. and Lulzy May Overbay Odham. Robert was a retired heavy equipment operator for the Tennessee Eastman Corporation. He was a member of the Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church. Robert was a superintendant for the Sunset Methodist Church for many years, longtime Sunday School teacher who cared for the shut-ins and visited them often. He loved the Lord, was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, loved by all who knew him. In addition to his parents, his first wife, Ruby Mowdy Odham; two brothers, Delbert and James 'Harlow'? Odham and two sisters, Betty Rhea Gross and Norma Jean Long, preceded him in death. Survivors include: his wife, Ima Jo Bailey Odham of the home; children Edna and husband Robert Richardson, Janice and husband David Keys, Sam and wife Deborah Odham, Debbie and Thomas Jennings; grandchildren, Tim Hicks, Rhonda Rippy, Mark Odham, Karen Garber, Terina Bowser, Matthew Jennings, Melissa Cline, Alicia Jennings, Luke Jennings and Thomas Jennings; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; a sister, Alma Dixon; several nieces and nephews. A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the South Chapel of the Morris '? Baker Funeral Home under the direction of Rev. Paul Crowe. Tim and Janie Hicks will provide special music. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until time of service at 7:00 pm. A committal service will be conducted on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 1:00 pm in the East Lawn Memorial Park. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the funeral home to leave in procession by 12:20 pm. Active pallbearers will be: grandsons, Tim Hicks, Mark Odham, Matt Jennings, Luke Jennings, Thomas Jennings and Tommy Jennings. Honorary pallbearers will be: Dave Keys, Lonnie Hite, John Long and Bob Richardson. Memorials may be made to: the Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church, 1004 E. Lakeview Dr., Johnson City, TN 37601.