Reginald (Reggie) Paul Odom was born on May 29, 1953 to the late Shephard and Lillian Odom, in St. Albans, New York (Queens). He graduated in 1976 from the Newhouse School of Communication at Syracuse University with both BA and MA degrees. His first job was working in the News Production department at WTVH in Syracuse; the same department that helped launch the careers of such notables as Al Roker, Mike Tirico, and David Muir. 

Reggie was considered a gifted cameraman for the CBS affiliate before moving to New York City to the CBS network. He also was a familiar face with all of the Black Greek fraternities. He was very well liked.

Reggie later moved to Lanham, Maryland and eventually to Columbia, Maryland. There he met and married Rosalind Griffin (later divorced). Reggie enjoyed family, and the extended Griffin Family and stepchildren (Kohlya and Ashlee).

Reggie joined Bridgeway Community Church when he moved to Columbia, Maryland. There he met many people who became lifetime friends. He even reunited with fellow Syracuse alumni, Barry Coley, and many others from New York. The brotherhood of friends sustained Reggie when he was seriously injured in a car accident in 2011, in Fairfax, Virginia. Friends traveled to Virginia; as Reggie endured the challenge of learning to walk and fighting to regain his memory and battle other injuries. Life was never the same again for Reggie. However, he had a determined spirit and he defied the odds and eventually walked with a cane and purchased a car. He moved from a nursing home to independent living.

Reggie had few family members and no biological children. However, he had friends who loved him as a brother and children of friends that he claimed as nephews and nieces.

Reggie’s long battle with his injuries ended on August 01, 2024.

Reggie leaves behind his cousin Anthony Odom. He also leaves much gratitude and love to his close earthly brothers; Ronald Coleman (and family), Barry Coley, Nathaniel Alston (Mary), Charles Dunning (Joan), Herbert Rogers, Michael Ross, Tom Gross, Sr. Pastor David Anderson, Pastor Dave Michener (Donna), Pastor Jared Sorber, Milton Hall (Carol), Angel Cartagena (Wendy), Terry Owens (Deborah), Ron Alexander (Heather) and Norman LaSalle (Tanya). Reggie also adopted Helena Blondell (and family) and Virginia Callahan (and family) as his little sisters. He was also appreciative of the friendship that remained with Rosalind Griffin and his stepchildren and his Case Worker, Paris.

Rest easy, Reggie. We will see you again.

Thank you to all who loved and supported Reggie throughout his life. We may not have mentioned you by name but God holds record of your kindness.