Herman Randolph "Randy" Odom, age 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 26, 2024, following a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease, surrounded by his loving family in his Pensacola, FL home.

Randy was born on April 14, 1937, in Darlington, SC to parents, Carlton Jacob Odom Sr. and Schadie Novaline Dees Odom. After graduating from McClenaghan High School in Florence, Randy enlisted in the US Navy on September 29, 1955. He graduated from boot camp at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, IL in December and advanced toward training in classified military electronics, equipment operation and teletyping at the NTC in San Diego, CA as well as the Naval Radio Station at Imperial Beach from January through May of 56'.

Randy's first station was in Guam where he learned frequency codes utilizing Rhombic antennas. He graduated number 2 in his class of 38 in Telemen School as well as number 2 out of 18 in his CT/ "O" Branch School with final markings of 94.04. He was then stationed with the US Naval Communications facility in Kami Seya, Japan through 1960, swiftly making rank.

As a skilled Cryptologic and Senior Chief Communications Technician, Randy then spent the following 6 years with the National Security Agency in Ft. Meade, MD and then onto the HQ of the National Security Agency/ Europe in Paris, France until September of 66', now an E6.

Randy's next assignment was in Norfolk, VA as an E7 aboard the USS Georgetown, a US Navy ship well known for global eavesdropping. From 67' to 69' Randy was stationed at Homestead AFB in Homestead, FL and promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer/E-9. When he arrived to the Naval Communications Station in the Aleutian Islands, he was the youngest and senior most CTOCM on the isle of Adak, AK.

For his last tour of duty, Randy was in charge of the overall administrative and operational management of HQS CINCPACFLT Special Intelligence Communications Center in Pearl Harbor, HI. During his 21 years of service to his country, Randy was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for meritorious service, 5 "Good Conduct Awards" for fidelity, zeal and obedience along with numerous letters of commendation.

After his Naval retirement in 1976, Randy brought his family to Pensacola and began working for the McKesson Wines and Spirits wholesale division which was later purchased by National Distillers Corporation. His work ethic, honest character and knowledge of fine wines and quality spirits aspired him to accumulate some of NDC's highest revenues in the Southeast with military contracts as well as both corporate and privately owned establishments.

In 1984 while attending a church service, fate would turn Randy's heart towards finding new love and exciting new beginnings with a beautiful and multitalented Pensacola businesswoman named M. Diane Gilmore. It was love at first sight. They were happily married on February 19, 1993, and within the year, Randy joined Diane's highly respected team at Tara Mortgage Corporation. Now bearing his real estate and broker's license, Randy helped facilitate both sales and affordable loans until his second retirement in 2009.

In his spare time with Diane, Randy enjoyed antiquing, perusing estate and yard sales as well as flea markets. He adored his beloved poodle, "Angel" and their long walks together before she crossed over the "rainbow bridge." He also loved listening to great music albums on his vast collection of phenomenal stereo gear and watching war biographies, "Western" movies and other personal favorites on his state-of-the-art entertainment center. He was an avid reader and an "old school" soul who thoroughly enjoyed the newspaper as well as many other preferred magazines, especially "Consumer Reports," "National Geographic" and the "Smithsonian." Randy was a true "Southern Gentleman." His honorable, generous, kind, quiet natured and easy going spirit will be deeply missed.

Randy is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Frank; sister, Anne and his beloved son, Richard Randolph Odom.

Randy's memory is left to be cherished by his devoted and loving wife and life partner of more than 40 years, M. Diane Gilmore; his daughter, Lori (Phillip); his brothers, Carlton Jacob Odom Jr. (Beverly) and Ray Odom (Laura); daughter-in-law, Sylvia; step-son, Michael (Caroline); step-daughter, Elesha; grandchildren, Constance Odom Little (Eric), Sarah Odom (Selvinia Selene), Evelyn, Derek, Axel, Michael (Leah), Jacob, Chris, Jonathan (Kaitlyn) and Lacy (Justin); great grandchildren, Penelope, Alasdair, and Hayes; as well as Randy's most recent precious poodle, "Luna."

Visitation will be held 9:30am-10:45am Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504. A funeral cortege will depart Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel at 11:00am for a Graveside Service at 11:30am at Barrancas National Cemetery, with Chaplain Ken Griffin officiating and full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Randy's honor to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

The family wishes to convey their heartfelt gratitude to Teneka Irwin, Grayton Thompson, Barbara Bruni, Cameron Mullins, Ashleigh Tugwell, Courtney Cummings, Ashley Mistovich, Jeramy Olmsted with Beacon Medical, Amanda Burns (RN) Phillip Grantland (RN), David D'Entremont (RN), Gail McGill (Chaplain), Sarah Frank (Social Worker) as well as the entire compassionate staff of Emerald Coast Hospice who provided their love, care and support throughout Randy's journey. He appreciated and loved them all.