Fred Lee Odum Jr.

Fred L. Odum, Jr., 78, of Austinville, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on August 14, 2026.

Fred was born in Welch, West Virginia, to Fred L. Odum, Sr. and Molly Elizabeth (Woody) Odum and grew up in Bartley, West Virginia. He graduated from Big Creek High School in War, West Virginia, with the Class of 1965, a group he cherished and remained proud to call his classmates. He later attended National Business College (now American National University) in Roanoke, Virginia, where he met his wife, Mary Lou. He earned a degree in Accounting and began his career in that field before discovering his true passion in hospital services. Fred went on to serve as Director of Environmental Services and Laundry at several hospitals throughout West Virginia and Virginia.

Fred’s greatest joy was his family. He took great pride in being a father and was his children's biggest supporter. Despite their embarrassment, he could always be counted on to cheer the loudest at their sporting events and took immense pride in their accomplishments throughout life. He adored his six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with them. They will deeply miss his unwavering love, encouragement, and support.

Fred shared his warm, kind-hearted, and fun-loving spirit with everyone he met. If you knew him, you knew you were loved. He was especially proud of his West Virginia heritage and often made sure everyone knew he was a “hillbilly at heart.” During his years in Welch, Fred was a member of Welch First United Methodist Church and the Welch Mighty Lions, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He was also a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Wytheville, Virginia.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marianna Douglass.

He is survived by his sister, Sandra Deen, his loving wife, Mary Lou (Wright) Odum; his children, Charles (Rebecca) Odum and Rebecca (Greg) Myers; his grandchildren, Jacob (Brooke) Odum, Heather (Tyler) Stuart, Hannah (Sam) VanDyne, Jordan Myers, Lydia Myers, and Katie Myers; and his great-grandchildren, Daphne Stuart, Delanie Stuart, Darcie Stuart, and Natalie Odum. He is also survived by many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

Fred leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, friendship, and devotion to his family. He will be remembered for his generous heart, his quick sense of humor, his fierce pride in his West Virginia roots, and the love and support he gave so freely to those around him.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fred’s name to The Alzheimer's Association at https://alzfdn.org/donate/ or a charity of your choice.