Charles Odom

Charles Odom, 84, affectionately known as Chuck, of Lake Park, GA passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born on May 5, 1940 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Leon Dow Odom of Cordele, Georgia. Charles grew up in Cordele and was a graduate of Crisp County High School. He attended Georgia Southwestern College where had the distinction of being the first male graduate from the school of nursing. He briefly served in the United States Army before relocating to Rochester, Minnesota to attend the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science where he graduated with a degree as a nurse anesthetist. Charles returned home to Georgia where he was a long-time employee of Valdosta Anesthesia at South Georgia Medical Center. In his later years he was a consultant anesthetist and worked with area hospitals in the region. He was married to Chrystal Blanton, of Valdosta, for 38 years and stepfather to her daughter, Amanda Pollett Jordan. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and loyal friend.

Charles was an avid hunter and fisherman whose love for the outdoors took him to places far and wide both in the U.S. and around the world. He was an enthusiastic reader of Peter H. Capstick, whose books inspired him to take his own African safari in 2001. He loved to share stories of his travels and displayed trophies from his excursions in his various homes over the years. Charles will be remembered for his generosity. He would often lend hunting and fishing gear to those he knew so they too could seek their own adventures in the great outdoors. He would donate meat from his hunting trips to families in need and organizations in the community. He and Chrystal enjoyed opening their homes to friends and family with fish fries and wild game dinners.

Charles is preceded in death by his loving parents. Survivors include his wife Chrystal, daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Jordan, of Rome, Georgia along with their four children, Sebastian, Claudia, Oliver, and Simon. He is also survived by his siblings including brothers Mr. Leon Odom, Jr. and Mr. Ronnie Odom of Cordele, GA and sister, Mrs. Connie Mercer, of Vienna, GA as well as a beloved niece and nephews.

The family requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Georgia Sheriff’s Boys’ Ranch and the American Cancer Society.

A memorial service for Charles will be held at 2pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at McLane Lakewood Funeral Home Chapel. The family will visit prior to the service from 1-2pm. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.

McLane Lakewood Funeral Home