Jerry W. Odom, Sr.

Jerry W. Odom Sr., 72, passed away after a short battle with illness, surrounded by his family, on April 18, 2025, at Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge.

He was born on December 19, 1952, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the son of Morris Jack and Billie Jean (Brummett) Odom. A lifelong resident of Gonzales, Jerry graduated from East Ascension High School in the class of 1972.

Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic. Jerry had a natural curiosity and intuition for mechanics, which shaped both his career and lifelong passion. He took pride in helping others with his mechanical abilities, a gift that was deeply appreciated by many.

Much of his working life was spent with the family business, White’s Auto, which later became Western Auto. During these years, he was married to Rene (Moore) Forbes, and together they raised four children.

Jerry enjoyed bass fishing, classic cars, and watching his nine granddaughters—all girls—grow up and thrive.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James Norman and Stites (Murray) Odom, and Willie Andrew and Mary Jane (Billingsley) Brummett; his parents, Morris Jack and Billie Jean (Brummett) Odom; and his brother, Donald Louis Odom.

He is survived by his four children: Jerry Wayne Odom Jr., Gina Odom, Clint Odom, and Kyle Odom; and his beloved granddaughters: Zoe, Ella, Audrey, Kennedy, Annabella, Sofie, Juliette, Jozee, and Piper. His sisters Doris (Ted Armand) and Gayle (John Baughman), and also his brother David Lee Odom of Gonzales, Louisiana.

In keeping with Jerry’s wishes—as best as we legally can—he will be cremated, and his ashes will be spread in a private, meaningful ceremony when his children can gather to remember and honor him.