By Amber Bass
Odie Fitzwater was 86 at the time of his death on September 25, 2013. He was referred to by locals as eccentric. Odie was a simple person. He lived an extremely modest life and had forsaken most if not all of the modern conveniences of 2013. No telephone, television and most other amenities. Odie lived his adult life as he had led his childhood.
“Odie was just, Odie” say Lesha Butcher, owner/operator of Lesha’s restaurant. There were a few constants for him and her restaurant was one of them. “He ate here two to three times a day. If it was summer, he came down on his tractor from cutting hay to eat. He always sat in the same place and never really changed what he ate. He is missed,” Said Butcher. “There was always a place for Odie.”
Lesha admitted at times she still catches herself prepping his routine meal. Though Odie is gone his memory remains and will forever be remembered by those who knew him.
