Paul Oden Latham, Jr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Paul Oden Latham, Jr, who left us Wednesday March 19, 2025, at the age of 79.

He was a Raleigh native, born in the old Rex Hospital located on St. Mary’s Street. His father was Paul Oden Latham and his mother was Katie Gentry Latham, who have both preceded him in death.

Paul was academically gifted and had a life-long love of learning. He attended NCSU 1965-1968, then he enlisted in the US Army. He then received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbus College in Columbus, GA in 1976, graduating with a B. A. in History. He then received a Master’s degree in Middle East History from the University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS in 1981. His second Master’s degree was earned at Command General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, KS, where he received a M.A. in Military Science.

During his military career, Paul served in Vietnam, with the UN Peacekeeping Forces in Israel, and later in Germany before coming back stateside to complete his military career with the Inspections General Staff inspecting ROTC programs and facilities across the United States.

Paul retired Oct. 1, 1990 with the rank of Lt. Colonel after 22 years of service in the US Army.

Upon military retirement, Paul took the next chapter of his life seriously, by becoming a Sailor. He taught himself sailing and began enjoying the Hampton Roads and Chesapeake Bay sailing area in his 30-foot South African Miura. He enjoyed composing naughty limericks and delivering boats from the northeast to the Bahamas, making several memorable trips with friends and relatives. He taught sailing in Norfolk, VA and at the Yacht Club Marina in Wrightsville Beach, NC, earning the distinction of American Sailing Association Sailing Instructor of the Year in 1998.

The third chapter of Paul’s life began when met his wife, Bonnie Carol Carmichael in 1997. They married October 24, 1997 and lived a life full of travel, friends, and family. He became of a member of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh, serving on the Safety Committee. Paul also served as a precinct officer for the NC Democratic Party.

Paul became Deputy Director of Logistics for NC Division of Emergency Management, retiring after fifteen years of service from the NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety on Jan. 1, 2015.

Paul will be remembered as an avid history and sailing adventure book reader, political junkie, tennis enthusiast, water color artist, poet, and Sailor.

He is survived by his wife of twenty-seven years – Bonnie Carol Carmichael Latham.

Sons – Paul Oden Damody-Latham (Julie), and Merritt Sellers Latham (Stacey).

Daughter-In-Love – Jessica Carpenter Knox (Steven).

Grandchildren – Ella Merritt Latham, Jack Norman Latham, Ragan Maya Darmody-Latham, Trey William Darmody-Latham, Sean Merritt Darmody-Latham, and Vivian Kaye Knox.

Siblings – Linda Claire Latham Sutton, Marcia Gentry Latham Street, and Alan Dana Latham.

Throughout their marriage, numerous surgeries and hospitalizations, Paul was attended faithfully by his wife, Bonnie, and family. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

During his final months, Paul received compassionate care from UNC Rex Hospital, Hillcrest of Raleigh, and Transitions Hospice of Raleigh.

We wish to deeply thank Dr. James S. Parsons. Without Dr. Parsons’ extraordinary and unwavering care, advocacy, and wisdom, Paul’s medical journey would not have benefited from the same high level of peace and comfort. Thank you.

A Memorial Service to honor Paul’s life will be held April 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at:

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh

3313 Wade Avenue in Raleigh, NC 27607.

Rev. Carrie McEvoy, officiating

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh: https://uufr.org/members/give/