John Daniel Odom III

John Daniel Odom III, 75, of Gainesville, FL, passed away peacefully on April 30th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. John was born on September 9th, 1948 to J.D. and Vernie Odom in Gainesville, FL at Alachua General Hospital. He spent his childhood growing up in Live Oak, FL on top of the family owned livestock market. He was a proud rancher who sold his first show steer at age 7 and won the title of Prince of Suwannee County. After his family relocated to his mothers hometown of Starke, FL, John graduated from Bradford County High School where he played baseball, golf, and tennis. He also continued to follow in his family's footsteps and became president of the FFA. He continued his love for agriculture, which he studied at the University of Florida for two years and was a member of ROTC. John made a name for himself and established a long and prosperous career in Gainesville, FL as an entrepreneur, real estate agent, and restaurant owner. He prided himself on his honesty, integrity, and his handshake, which was as good as his word. John always said his biggest achievement was marrying his wife of nearly 40 years, Mary Schiavone-Odom, and raising "his girls." He was an avid sports spectator who enjoyed spending time with his family, excelling in pool tournaments (Team Top Fuel), playing cards, boating, grilling, and attending all Florida Gator sporting events. John was a member of the UF Quarterback Club and was a Gator Booster for over 50 years. He enjoyed supporting his friends and the community, especially by taking his beloved dog Sailor to lunch at Blue Water Bay, Ballyhoo's, Piesanos, and Mac's Drive Thru. John was predeceased by his parents John Daniel (J.D.) Odom Jr., Vernie Phillips Odom, brothers Charles and Phillip Odom, and sister Emma Sue Johnson. He is survived by his wife Mary Schiavone-Odom, daughters Alesica Brown (Mike Brown), Olivia Odom Scherle (Daniel Scherle), Marissa Odom Bronson (William Bronson), and grandchildren Michael Brown (Shaneh Brown), Sydney Thomas (Andy Thomas), J.D. Scherle, Avery Alice Bronson, and loyal companion Sailor Odom. A viewing will be held at Williams-Thomas Funeral Home (downtown location) on Saturday May 11th, 2024 from 10am to 12pm. A celebration of life will also be held on May 11th on the Bull Gator Deck (West side of the stadium, 2nd floor) at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium from 1pm to 4pm. We ask all of our friends and family to show their love for John and wear his favorite team's colors, orange and blue. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in honor of him to support his love for Gator Athletics. Contributions can be made online to the University of Florida Athletic Department at gatorboosters.org and/or checks can be mailed to Gator Boosters, Inc, P.O Box 13796 Gainesville, Florida 32604.

John Daniel Odom III

September 9, 1948 - April 30, 2024