In 1979, Odom and his wife, Ruby, moved to Arlington from San Antonio when he worked as a U.S. postal inspector. In 1990, Elzie Odom successfully ran for the Arlington City Council after spending time on the city\u2019s Planning and Zoning Commission.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After serving on the City Council for seven years, he became Arlington\u2019s first Black mayor<\/a>. He defeated fellow council member Paula Hightower in the mayoral race.<\/p>\n As mayor, Odom was credited<\/a> with convincing General Motors to keep its plant in Arlington, helping to bring the Dallas Cowboys to the city and securing the future of the Texas Rangers in the American Dream City.<\/p>\n Following his six years as mayor, Odom continued to serve the community through Mount Olive Baptist Church.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ruby Odom said her husband loved Arlington and was devoted to serving the community, but he loved God and his family more.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWe built a life together rooted in Christ, service, and gratitude,\u201d Ruby said in a statement. \u201cI am comforted by the memories we shared and by the legacy he leaves \u2014 a legacy of kindness, leadership, and a belief that every person deserves dignity and respect.\u201d<\/p>\n This is a developing story and will be updated.<\/p>\n Chris Moss is a reporting fellow for the Arlington Report. Contact him at chris.moss@fortworthreport.org<\/a><\/p>\n At the Arlington Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n Fort Worth Report is certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative<\/a> for adhering to standards for ethical journalism.<\/p>\n Republish This Story<\/p>\n
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