MR. ODIS WILLIAMS

Odis Williams was born on April 26, 1934, in Redfox, Kentucky on Breeding Creek to James "Poppy" Harlin Williams and Sophia “Mommy Sofie” Walker-Williams. He was the eleventh child born of thirteen children.

Growing up in Redfox, he received his education through Perry and Knott County Public Schools.  It was there that he gained the love of basketball.  Often called the "Big O" on the basketball court.  Odis was the Salutatorian in his high school graduating class at Liberty High in 1954.

Odis was the "trail blazing pioneer" in his family for being the 1st one enlisted to serve in the United States Army from 1956-1958, including active duty during in the Korean War.  Moving out of the “sticks” (as he would affectionately call his hometown) and paving the way for his nephews, Homer Williams, Frederick Williams, Virgil (Rodney) Williams, and Raymond Combs to serve in the Army branch of service as well.

Odis was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Susie Mae Cornett, and they eventually moved to Indianapolis, Indiana.  This couple was blessed with one child.  

Odis loved to be outdoors and enjoyed his free time going hunting with his crew of hunting dogs.  Odis loved gardening and took a lot of pride in building decks and landscaping his yard. Never meeting a stranger, Odis always displayed a warm smile to everyone he met with his jazzy touch of fashion style.

Odis always put “gratitude in his attitude”. It was never a day without a smile on his face.  Odis always had a strong work ethic, and it showed with his commitment of working for over 40+ years at National Starch & Chemical, retiring in the mid 1990’s. After retirement, Odis decided to return back to the work force to be around people, so he became an event greater/hostess for many years at the Convention Center/Colts Stadium where he got to meet various celebrities.  Oh, the stories he would tell about those experiences! 

Odis accepted Christ as a young man and he was a long-time member of New Garfield Missionary Baptist Church prior to his illness.

Odis was a loving and devoted husband, caring for his wife, until her death, a great father, instrumental in Tonya’s high school/college basketball accomplishments, brother, uncle and friend and will be missed by all who knew him.

Late Sunday night, on July 27, 2025, at the age of 91 years, 3 months and 1 day. Odis entered from labor to rest. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Harlin Williams and Sophia Williams; his wife, Susie (Cornett) Williams; six brothers, Dennis Williams, Marcus Williams, Jake "LP" Williams, Worthy "Butt Cutt" Williams, John Henry Williams, and Donald Williams, and six sisters, Ruthie Williams, Ola Clyburn, Oma Adams, Wilma Jean Benson, Anna Mae Combs and Donia Mae Christon. 

Odis leaves to cherish precious memories with his daughter, Tanya Rochelle Williams, of Indianapolis, Indiana; special friends, Sherri Stum, John Orkman, James and Emma Cheatum, and Abby House Hospice Team; Coco and Emily, Frederick and Carolyn Williams, a host of other nephews and nieces, and many beloved friends.

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