Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

June 12, 2026

David Quitman Odom, 63, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina after an extended illness. Born on December 28, 1962, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, David lived a life marked by creativity, faith, and a deep love for his family and God's natural world.

A native of Steele Creek in Mecklenburg County, David graduated from Olympic High School in 1981, where he was inducted into the Order of the Trojan for his outstanding service to school, church, and community. A talented athlete, he was named to the Southeastern AAAA All-Conference Soccer Team in both 1979 and 1980. He continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (then Pembroke State University), where he was awarded a four year athletic scholarship in soccer. He graduated in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts, emphasis in sculpture. While at college, David was awarded the Pembroke State Athletic Award in Soccer in 1981 and became a brother of the Alpha Omega Upsilon Fraternity.

A meticulous craftsman by trade, David excelled as a framer, carpenter, and builder. His artistic talents extended beyond construction; he was the former owner of Odom's Art Gallery in Steele Creek. One of his most beloved creations was a 26-foot pirate ship play structure that he built for his nephews and nieces in 2008—a testament to his creativity and love for family—that still stands today in Chapel Hill. Everything David built from cabinets to wine cellars to decks and everything in between, he built well and with precision.

David’s passions were as varied as they were vibrant. Besides the arts, he was an avid sportsman who loved bow hunting and fishing. His connection to nature was profound; whether exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, the NC Piedmont, or the North Carolina Coast, David found peace and inspiration outdoors. He especially enjoyed fishing along the banks of the Catawba River and wandering through the woodlands of McDowell Park with a trusty labrador retriever by his side, namely Nugget and Duke. Additionally, David had a lifelong love for music. In the 1980s, he was the lead singer for local metal bands Excyter and AKA, showcasing his talent as a frontman and vocalist. 

David’s Christian faith was central to his quiet life in later years. It took root at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church in Steele Creek and grew into an humble spirit that touched everyone who knew and loved him. His faith guided him to live with kindness and generosity while fostering a deep appreciation for God’s creation of the natural world.

David is survived by his daughter Brooke Figueroa and her husband Andres Figueroa of Pasadena, CA; his son Sean Q. Odom and daughter-in-law Hloan Ksor-Odom of Marion, NC; former wife Lee Pam Oxendine Odom of Lumberton, NC; and his beloved grandsons Julien Ksor-Odom, Oslo Ksor-Odom, Milo Figueroa, and Caleb Figueroa. He is also survived by his siblings: Tommy Odom (Martha Odom), Amy Odom, and Matthew Odom; his stepmother Carmen Odom; stepsisters Jennifer Buell and Cyndie Christian; uncle Jimmy Odom (Phyllis); aunts Linda Odom, Sylvia Odom, Jerrie Thompson and Judy Rinn; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins; as well as two of his oldest and dearest friends, David Harrison and David Sevener.

He was predeceased by his parents, NC State Senator Fountain Odom and Jane L. Odom; grandparents Thomas Q. Odom and Laura Pearl Odom; grandparents David S. Lowe and Ruth L. Lowe; Godparents Sam and Virginia Winget; Uncles Glenn Odom, Lee Hurley, John S. Lowe, Robert L. Thompson; and many dear friends including Ward Medlock whom he loved to fish with at Medlock's Pond. 

David’s legacy is one of kindness, creativity, and an enduring connection to those he loved, especially to his adult children Brooke and Sean, his greatest legacies. As we mourn David's passing, we rejoice in the assurance of our Christian faith that we will see him again fully healed and restored: “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” – John 5:24

Special thanks are given to the neuro medical teams at UNC Healthcare and Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center for their dedication and loving care towards David, and also to cousin Dean Thompson for her presence and support during this difficult time. Gifts in memoriam may be made to The Olympic High School Foundation whose mission is to attract, support and retain excellent teachers, improve the school's educational opportunities, and provide resources that will focus on increasing students' upward mobility and success after graduation. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Open Kitchen in Charlotte, NC on Sunday the 28th of June 2026 at 5:00pm. 

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral and Cremation Service, Charlotte, NC; Online condolences may be shared at kennethpoeservices.com.