Harry Banta Odom

Harry Banta Odom 84, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2014. He was born on October 27, 1930 in Turin, Georgia where he lived his entire life. He was the second of eight children born to Loyd and Florence Odom. He graduated from Star High in 1948 where he was an outstanding basketball and baseball player. Mr. Odom grew up farming with his brothers and sisters on the family farm and continued farming his entire life. Odom was a steward of the soil, with a great passion and love for the land. He liked the simple life. He did not want for material items, he just loved his family and farming. Mr. Odom also started working alongside his father at Odom's Grocery in 1948. He continued to work at the store until January 2010. He enjoyed visiting with his regular customers, some who shopped at the store for decades. He was generous to his customers always helping those in need. In 1954 Mr. Odom was drafted in to the United States Army where he trained at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. After training he was stationed at Panama Canal. He was proud to serve his country. He returned home to Turin after his service ended in 1956 where in addition to farming and working at the store he served on several community boards. He was on the Board of Directors for Farming Home Administration. He also served on the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service Committee. Mr. Odom joined the Coweta County Farm Bureau in the early 1960's where he served on the Board of Directors. He was president of the Coweta County Farm Bureau for 40 years, retiring from that position on 2012. He was one of the original organizers of the Turin Antique Tractor Show and Pull. He was honored to be the Grand Marshall of the tractor pull parade in 2008. Harry married Katie Jo Whitley Cunningham in June of 1976. He is preceded in death by his sister, Jeannette Odom Harris and granddaughter, Jennifer Whitlock. He is survived by his wife, Katie Odom; children Charlotte Jo Vanderhoff, Charles Duane Cunningham and Constance Diane Shepherd; brothers, Frank P. Odom ( Sherry), William Odom (Shirley), Dan Odom , and Roy Odom (Trouba); sisters, Josephine Odom Hudson and Nancy Odom Christopher ( Billy); grandchildren, Amy Elizabeth Tallent and Erin Rebecca Cunningham. Six great-grandchildren and one great, great, grandchild and eleven nieces and nephews. There was a service in Mr. Odom's honor on Tuesday, December 23, 2014, burial followed afterwards at Turin Memorial Gardens.

Harry Banta Odom

October 27, 1930 - December 20, 2014