Edward “Ray” Odum, Sr, 75 of Jacksonville, Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 5, 2023. He was born July 14, 1947 in Georgia to the late Joseph M Odum and Eva Ray Odum. He was preceded in death by sisters Betty Goff, Olivia Davis, brothers, Cecil Odum, David Odum and Shon Odum.
Ray was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville, Florida, he was a faithful and devoted Christian and proud veteran of the United States Army. He retired from Swisher International after many years. His great grandchildren were the light of his life. He loved spending time with his family. and listening to gospel music. Ray enjoyed fishing and watching the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguar football. He attended West Jacksonville Baptist Church.
Survivors include his children James Mason Odum of Hobbs, New Mexico, Edward Ray (Danita) Odum Jr of Jacksonville, Florida. Siblings: Kathleen McHale of Middleburg, Florida, Donald (Garnet) Odum of Fruit Cove, Florida. Grandchildren: Jacob (Kristina) Carr, William Clay (Sarah) Stacy, Sydney Odum and Joshua McGinnis. Great Grandchildren: Jayden Carr, Kimberley Stacy, Macy Odum, Hendrick Carr and Nolyn Odum.
Special Friends: Quincy and Delores Hinote, a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Military Honors will be rendered at Jacksonville National Cemetery.
The Gateway Protection Team
July 22, 2023, 1:10 am
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Greg and Debra Giddens
July 22, 2023, 1:10 am
Uncle Ray brought so much joy to our lives. He will remain in our hearts forever.Rest in peace Uncle Ray.
Donald McHale
July 22, 2023, 1:11 am
Our Condolences and Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family. Ray will definitely be missed by many. He loved to fish and watch the Gators and the Jags. He has sisters and brothers that went to early. Ray will be rejoicing with them in Heaven. May he RIP and his memory be a blessing. We will meet again someday.
Debra Giddens
July 22, 2023, 1:11 am
So sorry I was unable to attend Uncle Rays services. He meant the world to me. He always seemed to have an upbeat and positive personality, I don’t think I ever saw him sad. He was the cool and fun uncle, I enjoyed being around. He will be missed forever and always. The beautiful moments we all shared with him will always speak of the great person that he was. I may be able to wipe the tears from my eyes but I can’t wipe away the pain in my heart. Of all the many blessings great or small, to have him as my uncle was the greatest one of all. And even though the chain is broken now and nothing will be the same. God will take us one by one to link that chain again. May he rest in peace. He will be in my heart forever.
Donald & Jim
July 22, 2023, 1:12 am
Our deepest sympathy
Deborah McHale Joyner
July 22, 2023, 1:12 am
Ray will be missed by so many. I will always remember sitting on Ellis and Kat’s back porch chatting with Ray and fishing in the pond with Ray and Kat. My prayers go out to all family members and friends.
Deborah McHale Joyner
July 22, 2023, 1:12 am
With deepest sympathy,
Miller family
July 22, 2023, 1:13 am
With loving memories of “Ray”,
Gaile Lyons
July 22, 2023, 1:14 am
I am Gaile Combs Lyons, I grew up with Ray on Schofield Street in Jacksonville back in the 50’s and 60’s, we all have kept up with each other all these years…Prayers for all his family and friends…We loved you Ray…
Diana Kennedy and family
July 22, 2023, 1:14 am
Prayers to Mr. Rays Family and loyal friends. Peace be with you all. Giving honor to Our Lord and Savior. Rest well in Gods arms.