Calvin “Cowboy” Newton Odum, 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at his daughter’s home in Knoxville.

He was born December 1, 1940, in Abingdon, VA, a son to the late John Henry Odum and Susie Francis Jones Odum and is the last of 16 children. He attended various churches over the last several years.

He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He had many friends and never met a stranger. He spent many Saturday's bird hunting with friends and family before his grandchildren were born. He loved baseball, basketball, football and was an avid Tennessee Volunteer fan!

He was preceded in death by Barbara Sue Price Odum, who he enjoyed 47 wonderful years with and traveled millions of miles trucking around the country.

Survivors include his wife, Helen Gardner; two daughters, Susan "Susie" Elizabeth Odum Russell and husband, Bobby Lee Russell Jr.; and Penelope "Penny" Nicole Odum and husband, Darren Scott Light.; five grandchildren, Erin Elizabeth Russell Nix and husband, Jerry Andrew "Drew" Nix; Laurel Jordan Russell Watts, and husband, Jessop Marshall Watts; Robert Wayne "Trey" Herrell III, and wife Jordan Lexie Jacobik Herrell; Ty Calvin Herrell; and Trent Houston Herrell; one great granddaughter, Eleanor Mac Nix; several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at Frost Funeral Home with Pastor Cody Boone officiating. Interment will follow going in procession to Forest Hills Memory Gardens.

Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Mr. Calvin “Cowboy” Newton Odum.