Michael Odom

Mike Odom was born in Fairhope, Alabama, to Joseph and Patricia Odom (deceased).   He was a loving son; husband to Eva Lynn for 53 years; father of three and grandfather of two.  He attended the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama; Columbus College (now University), Columbus, Georgia; and the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska.  He was an Eagle Scout, serving in Texas as an Assistant Scout Leader as well as an Assistant Soccer Coach.  

In 1971, the U.S. Army called his name and, for the next eight years, Mike served as an infantryman and administrative sergeant on posts in Kentucky, Louisiana, Georgia, Alaska and Texas.  In Alaska, he pursued his passion of flying, becoming a flight instructor.  At Fort Sam Houston, Texas, he held responsibility for the in-processing of personnel and, simultaneously, the Chief Pilot for the Martindale Army Airfield Flying Club.  Mike was instrumental in the positive growth of flight students, instructors, aircraft and cash flow.  He was known for his promotion of the flying club through an “Open House” where Mike only was given permission to fly club aircraft over Brooke Army Medical Center, positioning them for show on the historic, grassed MacArthur Parade Field.  This field, in 1910, was the site of the Army’s first piloted aircraft by LT Benjamin Foulois, known as the Father of Military Aviation.  

After an honorable discharge, Mike began a career that spanned all aspects of aviation.  He flew commercial passenger flights; began international travels with an oil company, Tesoro Petroleum; served as senior captain and training officer for the newly formed BellSouth; and served as chief pilot for Phoenix Air.  Ultimately, Mike successfully pursued excellence in corporate aviation through the formation of his own company, providing full executive, international jet services to Fortune 100 companies utilizing Lear, Bombardier Challenger, Falcon and Gulfstream aircraft.  His favored flying was in float planes or his personal Citabria, vintage Cessna 170A or, lastly, a Cessna 172RG Cutlass.  Along with distinguished corporate executives, Mike was honored to have flown former United States presidents and military leaders, various international dignitaries and royal family members.  

When not traveling the world for business, he enjoyed camping; skiing (both water and snow); horseback riding; boats of all speeds and sails; deep sea and fly fishing; participating in hunt and field trials for labrador retrievers.  On final approach, Mike enjoyed watching his grandchildren, John Michael and Penelope Marie, play with his yellow lab, Plane XII Gauge.

A committal service honoring Mike will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 10:00, at the Salisbury National Cemetery, 501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, NC.  Pastor Terry Giles of the Franklinville Wesleyan Church will officiate.

Mike delighted in visits and phone calls from family and friends.  He was most grateful for the care provided him through the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Hospice of Davidson County, NC.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests you consider a donation to your favored veteran organization or Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC  27292.

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