Douglas Odom (dodom)
November 11, 1969 - April 16, 2007
April 17, 2007 - Doug Odom, long time member of the Cigar Weekly community, succumbed to stomach cancer early Monday morning. Doug is survived by wife Shannon and daughter, Alex.
Our local community is a tightly woven group of friends. We are all in deep mourning over losing an active member of this group as well as a steadfast and dependable friend. It is hard for everyone (here) to accept the fact that Doug was taken from us much too early -- Doug was only 37 years old.
Doug became ill at the very end of January with a respiratory infection. He went through 4 rounds of antibiotics, but could not get well. In late March, Doug was referred to a Pulmonary Specialist. Upon examination by the specialist, Doug was referred to a Oncologist and immediately checked into Southwest Regional Hospital. Upon further review, Doug's Oncologist decided to then immediately move Doug to Baptist Hospital here in Little Rock. The fact that everything had an urgent immediacy made everyone concerned for Doug's welfare.
Little Rock Herf IV
Ironically, Doug's admission into the hospital came right as the Rat Pack was finalizing plans for Herf in the Rock IV. Doug Odom was very instrumental in getting this event off the ground and keeping it going year to year. It was tough having Doug in the hospital during this time. But, you could see Doug's spirits soar when the out of town crew (the Marshall Mafia, JB, Coach...and other members of this board), poured into his hospital room to wish him well.
Just seeing Doug smile again was a tremendous lift to Shannon and all of Doug's friends and family. I want to mention that this crew of brothers also helped raise over $1,000.00 which Dartplayer presented to the Odoms as he headed home after herf weekend. Our extended family is golden...and Doug would agree!
As we rally around Shannon and the Odom family, we wanted to let this larger community of friends - Cigar Weekly, know how much Doug loved being a part of this group. He wanted to assure everyone that his cancer was not at all related to his hobby and love of cigars. He discussed this with his doctors and they all reiterated that there was no known connection between the two. He told this to his out of town visitors and would want us to pass this on to the larger community.
The family has scheduled a candle light vigil in memory of Doug Odom, on Wednesday night. This will be held at Doug's place of business - Exit Realty, Maumelle Arkansas (7 PM). The funeral is scheduled for Thursday at 10 AM and will be held at 1st Baptist Church, Maumelle. In lieu of cards or flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Relay for Life. If anyone is interested in making a donation and would like more information, contact PoohDVM by e-mail or PM.
We all loved Doug Odom very much and will miss his camaraderie. Please keep Doug and the Odom family in your prayers.