Gary L. Odom

Gary Lee Odom was born in St. Petersburg, Florida at St. Anthony's Hospital. A native to St. Petersburg he grew up loving to fish. He started fishing as a small boy and cherished many hours of fishing with family and friends over the years. He especially loved passing the fishing bug down to his grandchildren. Gary married his high school sweetheart Linda. He is father to Heidi (Todd), Jody, and Pamela. Grandfather to Christopher, Jody Jr., Bailey (Jody), Ella, Kai (Pamela) and Liam (Heidi). Great grandfather to Christopher Jr., (Christopher), Little Meg and Jody III (Jody Jr.). Uncle to Holly Topping, Uncle to Richard Odom and cousin to Howard Whittington. Gary worked in sales when he was not on or in the water fishing. He lived life walking to his beat and with confidence of staying true to himself. He literally gave his shirt off his back to anyone in need. He never knew a stranger as he became a friend to everyone he met. He is known for his original quotes: "you have the same skin to be happy in", "all you need is a little saltwater and seaweed", “you now what I mean, man?”, “it is always a good day when you are fishing”, “ BEACH, BEACH, BEACH!” and a favorite “ sunsets are best to think and ponder life.” His stories and life events made for a great book. Too bad he gave away the mini tape recorder to a struggling college student that needed it to record college lectures. The mini tape recorder was a gift from Heidi to record his stories so she could write a book about his life. When she inquired with him as to why he gave it away. He replied, “the college student did not have the money to buy one and I had one to give.” Literally, the shirt off his back! “He is the man that we all have encountered at one point in our lives. He is the man that songs are made of. He talks of knowledge, of experience and of a world beyond our years. He speaks of wisdom – in a dialect we understand- and rises above every poet’s dreams. He is the man who raised me and the one who taught me about life’s land. His is the voice I want to hear in every tall tale, factuality and yes, even lectures on his views of right verses wrong. He is the one that pointed at the moon, sky and stars and made it come alive in me. He showed me the earth is our gift from God and with each step in the sand we make it our own. He is the man I want to tell my story about. He is my father, my hippie…” Written by Heidi Odom Gary will be deeply missed by his family and friends. His love was precious and genuine and felt greatly. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 10:00-1:00. The location is Ron McKenney Park at 9300 Blind Pass Road, St. Pete Beach 33701. Always remember dear friends, “You have the same skin to be happy in!” -Gary

Gary L. Odom

June 24, 2019