Samuel “Wayne” Odum, 92, of Snellville, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, November 17, 2022. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Gloria Ann “Sis” Juhan Odum.
He is survived by two sons, Richard (Rickey) Odum and Bruce Wayne Odum both of Snellville; five grandchildren, Michael Odum (Emily McGinnis) and Lauren Crawford (Kevin) all of Statham; Andrew, Austin, and Samuel Odum of Loganville; three great granddaughters, Kylee, Piper and Ripley all of Statham; sister-in-law, Charlotte Sullivan of Snellville; other relatives and a host of friends. Mr. Odum was also preceded in death by his parents, Andrew “Rub” Odum and Ailene Odum; daughter-in-law, Janet Odum; great grandson, Jamie Crawford; and two sisters, Willie Thomas and Mary McElhannon.
Mr. Odum was born in Loganville, on October 14, 1930 and graduated from Loganville High School where he participated in basketball and track and field. He adopted the Georgia Bulldogs as his football team, and remained a loyal fan his entire life. He worked in management for Southern Bell for 34 years.
He served as a Snellville City Councilman for 32 years. He was instrumental in helping establish the sewer system and was responsible for Briscoe Park being developed. Wayne and Aubrey Peters got the funds donated to build the first two tennis courts in Snellville. Wayne established a “Teen Canteen” for the city in 1964 in the old Snellville High School Ag Building.
Former Mayor Emmett Clower said of his friend: “He always had my back and was a man of his word.” Wayne and his wife, Gloria, were dedicated to the families in Snellville when there was a need for assistance during an illness or just being supportive at difficult times in their lives. Wayne was a member of Snellville United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for many years. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He was a southern gentleman and devoted family man.
The service to honor and celebrate the life of Wayne Odum was held November 21, 2022 at Tom M. Wages Snellville Chapel with Rev. Dr. Jim Cantrell officiating. Interment was at the Snellville Historical Cemetery.
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