William Jacob Odom IV (Jake)

William Jacob Odom IV (Jake), 86, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024 at home with his wife by his side. A service celebrating and remembering his life will be held at Kistler-Hardee Funeral Home in Darlington SC at 1:00 pm on Monday January 15, 2024. Immediately following the service, family will visit with attendees. Born in Darlington on May 23, 1937, he was the son of the late William Jacob Odom III and Jesse Mae Windham. In addition to his parents, Jake was preceded by his son, William Jacob Odom V (Rusty) and his sister, Mary Odom Blanton. Jake is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marian Hendricks Odom, his daughter, Pamela Odom Johnson, (Hal) and grandchildren, Brandy Johnson and Jacob Johnson and his sister, Thalia Odom Farley. He is also survived by many brother and sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews, who he was very close to and loved dearly. Jake was raised by his grandfather, William Jacob Odom II and his grandmother Golden Flowers Odom after his father’s early untimely death. He stayed with them from age 2 until he was 15 and then moved back to Darlington to be with his mother. As a youth he was involved in Scouting, even becoming a Scout Leader for several years after he moved to NC. He graduated from Darlington High School in 1955 and enjoyed attending many Class Reunions throughout the years. He served in the Army National Guard of SC for three years from 1961-1963 obtaining an Honorable discharge at the end of his service. Jake spent his career employed by and a manager of Winn-Dixie Grocery Stores for a total of 40 years starting in SC and then moved to NC spending most time in Kinston NC. After his retirement, he and Marian moved to Lake Santee Cooper where he enjoyed his retirement by keeping his two grandchildren during the summer and fishing and hosting many fish fries and Christmas family functions for everyone to enjoy. Recently and due to diminishing health, Jake and Marian moved back to Lamar, SC to be closer to family. Jake had a strong faith and was always involved in the local Methodist Church in whatever community he and his family were living. He was very involved in the Methodist Men group at Jordan United Methodist Church in Summerton, SC. The family would like to thank McLeod Home Health and Hospice, especially Shan Brown RN, for the compassionate care and support given to both Jake and Marian during their time of need. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to McLeod Hospice of PeeDee PO Box 100551 Florence SC, 29502 or to the charity of your choice.

William Jacob Odom IV (Jake)

May 23, 1937 - January 8, 2024