Odis Herman Brown, 100
September 3, 1924 – August 30, 2025
Saltillo-A tall timber in the forest of life has fallen! At 100 years of age, WW II Soldier, Master electrician, one of the founders of Cedar Grove Pentecostal Church, solid patriotic citizen and self proclaimed Child of God, Odis Herman Brown departed his long, fruitful earthly pilgrimage to enter the gates of Heaven from his residence on Aug. 30, 2025.
Mr. Odis was born in Glen, Alcorn County on September 3, 1924, the 5th of 8 children and the last surviving child born to the late Mark Brown and Lou Kibby Brown. He lived all of his adult life in Lee County. Mr. Brown was married to the love of his life, Kitty Angle Brown in 1946. To this union was born 4 children, Larry, Patricia, Linda and Debbie Brown. Kitty died July 9, 1999 after which he married Joyce Clayton Benton, who also preceded him in death.
With an uncanny mind, extraordinary common sense coupled with a work ethic second to none, Mr. Odis lived a purposed filled life that was always prioritized by God, Family, Labor and Patriotism. Staff Sergeant Odis H. Brown enlisted in the U. S Marine Corps at age 17 on May 17, 1943 during World War II. Not a High School graduate but self-taught, the military insisted he take the ACT to enter service. Officer Brown made a 34 on first try and was accepted. SGT Brown, after an action packed, brave and courageous span of military service serving in the South Pacific including the invasion of Okinawa, was honorably discharged on May 14, 1946, with numerous medals including the Silver Star.
Always aspiring to be an electrician, he attended trade school and mastered the trade first working at a Baltimore shipyard. He first worked for Tombigbee Electric Power as a lineman, then transferred over to the Tennessee Valley Authority where he had a full career including overseeing TVA construction projects in 7 states. His electrician skills were highly sought throughout the Valley. He was even called to help problem solve electrical problems at military missile sites in North and South Dakota. His skills also helped solve problems with the launching of the Saturn 5 space craft in 1968.
A great storyteller, Mr. Odis loved his family dearly and his Church, Cedar Grove Pentecostal Church, of which he was an original founder 75 years ago. He was its oldest member at his death and faithful and active until his health failed. A Bible scholar of great depth, he loved preaching and teaching. He led a life of encouragement to his family, his Church family, his community and others. He loved his farm and land which he had lived on almost 70 years and raised prized Appaloosa horses. He even had a show arena on this land. A “man among men”,his life will long be remembered for his stoic commitment to all things good. “Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant”.
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