- Jay Lester "Cowboy" Odom, 1001 Berry Rd., Elizabethton, died at home Thursday, October 9, 2008, on his 81st birthday.
He was a Carter County native. A son of the late Solomon and Linnie Bowman Odom, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Nola Irene Birchfield Odom in August, 2002. He was also predeceased by his brothers Willie and Leon and a sister Lima. Mr. Odom was a member of Eastside Christian Church and retired from NARC after 32 years of service.
Jay became known to many long-time area residents by the nickname "Cowboy" because of his cowboy outfit including the cap pistols he wore and the horse he rode. He played guitar intermissions on the "Little Rascals" hour during the 1950s. "Cowboy" had endeared himself in recent years by plowing gardens and cutting and baling hay for area landowners. Those who didn't know "Cowboy" personally would still recognize him by his tractor with the camper top.
He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law: Sharon Marie and Mike Teague, Lenoir, NC; six sons and five daughters-in-law: Roger and Joanne Odom, Scott and Rebecca Odom, Jay Wesley Odom, all of Elizabethton, Steve and Vicky Odom, Roan Mountain, Monty and Linda Odom, Cleveland, TX, Allen and Marianne Odom, Asheville, NC; two sisters: Gracie Parsons, Bessie Murphy; four brothers: Johnny, Ray, Bealer and Eddie Odom; as well as twenty-one grandchildren, thirty-two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; some very special close friends: Hazel Chambers, Ann Nave, Dub and Jenny Ward, Layton Miller and so many more they are too numerable to count along with not a few nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Mr. Odom will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 12 in the Tetrick Funeral Home Chapel of Peace with Rev. Dennis Wilson officiating. Special music will be provided by Julie Combs and Carl and Brenda Hambrick. The family will receive friends from 1 until 3 p.m. Sunday in the chapel prior to the service. Friends may also call at the residence at anytime. Interment will follow in the Stout Cemetery (White Oak Mountain Rd.). Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Keith Shell, Keith Hamby, Chuck Mathes and Howard Holtsclaw, Jr.
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1927 - 2008 (81 years)
