On October 24, 2021 at 7:30am, Curtis Alfonzo Odom Sr. passed away at Christiana Care Hospital in Newark, Delaware.

Curtis was born on August 8, 1940, in Gates County, North Carolina and was the oldest son of the late Myrtle and Alfonzo Bartel Odom and the stepson of the late Odell Odom. He attended Gates County High School; subsequently he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was a Private First Class from January 14, 1958 to February 11, 1964. He married Ruth Diana Saunders in 1964. He had three children: Curtis Alfonzo Odom Jr., Reginald Derrick Odom and Danielle Odom. He had seven grandchildren: Dominique, Danielle, Curtis III, Christian, Matthew, Derrick and Nakiyah.

In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Curtis had a large extended family of siblings and their spouses; Rev. Dr. Claude M. Odom and Bettina Odom; Calvin and Margaret Odom; Dr. Winston Odom and Sandra Odom; Elder Dorothy Evans and Donald Evans; Gladys and Earl Gatling, Walter and Jora Odom; David and Marilyn Odom; Marilyn Eason and Donnel Eason; Leon Taylor and Cece Taylor. He also had three living aunts: Gloria Marbury; Catherine Hall and Naomi Roberts; one uncle, James Dotson; and two daughters-in-law: Geraldine Odom and Donna Marie Lennon.

Curtis' wife Ruth Diana also has a large family, blessing him with an extensive network of in-laws; Suzanne Wilson, Margaret Seawright, Bessie Hunt, Milton Saunders, Gloria Boone, Mervelle Lassiter, Juanita Harvey, Carolyn Williams, Vivian Saunders (deceased) and Wendell Saunders (deceased).

He also had scores of cousins, nieces and nephews in his clan. His entire family loved him dearly.

Curtis had an entrepreneurial spirit. He owned his own auto-body repair shop in Hempstead, New York, where he fixed cars and taught some of those skills to his young sons, who were mostly interested in going to the theater nearby. Subsequently, he owned his own insurance adjusting company in Bronx, New York; his work took him across the five boroughs and sometimes beyond.

Curtis loved to drag race, to the delight of his grandchildren when they were young. He doted on his racecar and was an enthusiastic member of the National Hot Rod Association.

He was raised to his 3rd degree in 1971 and received his 33rd degree in 2009 and served in many positions including Worshipful Master of the St. Johns Lodge of the Prince Hall Masons in New York. Curtis helped to advise the group as they managed properties and raised funds for student scholarships.

Curtis had a strong will, strong opinions and a strong desire for his family to do the best they could at all times. When you stumbled, he picked you up, dusted you off, and set you back on track. He pushed hard and played hard. He loved his family fiercely.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the services for Curtis on Friday, November 5 starting at 10am at Krienen-Griffith Funeral Home. Interment will be private