Marvin Ernest Odum

2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

Marvin Ernest Odum of Fall Branch, TN, beloved son, husband, father and grandfather passed away Wednesday, October 30, 2013, after a courageous twelve year battle with Lou Gehrig Disease and complications due to Leukemia.

He was born to the late W.E. "Muss" Odum and Pauline Odum on September 17, 1937 in Bristol, VA/TN.

Marvin retired from the Tennessee Highway Patrol in 1994 after 34 years of service. He was a member of the Governor's Special Detail for Gov. Ned McWherther and served on the Riot Squad with his beloved K-9, Boots.

Marvin was also a member of Bethany Freewill Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday School. He loved life and dedicated the last 25 years to pleasing the Lord. Marvin always took great pleasure in working on his farm, especially with his horses and other animals. He loved his wife of 40 years, family and friends. He will forever be remembered by those he helped and the family he left behind.

Survivors include his wife, Densie Crawford Odum; his daughters, Kim (Jim) Bateman, Cindy (Josh) Propst, and Elissa (Johnathan) Fields; granddaughters, Lily Ann Propst, and Emma Propst; grandson, Jackson Fields; sisters, Shirley (Frank) Rhoten, Linda Surber, Judy (William) O'Brien, Paula (Lyle) Shaffer; and lifetime friend, Jack Trent and many nieces and nephews; beloved friends and caregivers. Special thanks to Smokey Mountain Hospice, especially Gertie and Betsy who faithfully cared for him.

The family will receive friends 4-7:00 p.m. Friday, November 1, 2013, at the Fall Branch Chapel of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes.

The funeral service will be conducted immediately following visitation with Pastor Roger Free officiating. Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery with the assistance of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Honor Guard. Those attending committal services are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 12:00 noon and then proceed to the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Paula Arnold, Junior Dawson, Randall Dickerson, Josh Propst, and Johnathan Fields. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Rhoton, William O'Brien, Lyle "Bud" Shaffer, Johnny Armstrong, Jack Trent, Jim Bateman and Dale Boyd.

In lieu of flowers, any contributions can be made to the ALS Association in honor of Dale Boyd's team, Dale Boyd's Believers. It was Marvin's hope that a cure would soon be found for ALS, a terminal disease. The family covets your prayers.

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