BY IRIS B. HOLTON

Sentinel City Editor

While in high school Donald Odom knew that he wanted to become an attorney. He achieved that goal and now after 28 years of dedicated service, he has retired.

A native of St. Petersburg, Attorney Odom graduated from Gibbs High School. He enrolled at the University of South Florida as a Political Science major. After earning his undergraduate degree, Attorney Odom continued his education at the University of Florida.

Attorney Odom launched his career in the firm of Williams & Middleton in St. Petersburg. “The late Ike Williams gave me my start. I was hired as a law clerk and I stayed with the firm for about 4 years,” he recalls.

About two years later, he was hired by Hillsborough County. Assigned to the Water Department, Attorney Odom said he was the Principal Primary lawyer for that department.

During his career, Attorney Odom worked under four County Attorneys. At one point, he thought about specializing in the field of personal injury.

However, as time passed, he said, “With the prevalence of advertising the field has become more of a business than a profession. The business aspect has sort of taken over where the professionalism once was.”

Attorney Odom said he has also witnessed an increase in African American attorneys, and that is good. “There are a lot more Blacks and that’s a good thing. When I started, I think I knew every Black attorney personally. Now, there are more than 90,000 attorneys practicing in Florida.”

A widower, Attorney Odom is the father of three adult children, Donald, Jr., Barbara, and Donita Odom Moody. He also has two granddaughters, Sherie and Myiah. He is a member of Riverview United Methodist Church.

As for the future, Attorney Odom said for about the first year, he’s going to take the days as they come. He enjoys traveling, cooking, and motorsports.

He is also going to pursue other interests, such as skiing. Next month, the 62-year-old will take ski lessons and ski for the first time. He is a member of the Onyx Ski Club, a local African American club with about 50 members.

However, he’s not in a hurry about choosing what to do next. Attorney Odom said it will be something different, but something he wants to do.