On Friday, January 15, 2016, God chose to call one of His faithful and loyal servant's home, and now he rest in His arms. Rev. Dr. Lorenza Samuel Otey, lovingly known as Dad, Daddy, Rev., Doc, father, brother, Grandpa, Pepa, Pastor, and friend to many was born on August 24, 1924 to the late Emmett and Elizabeth Otey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Elizabeth W. Otey, brothers: Percy, Raymond, James, Clayton, and Fred, and sister, Christine.
He was educated in Bedford County Public Schools, attending Sharon School in Big Island, VA and in 1944 graduated from the Bedford County Training School in Bedford, VA. He attended Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA. In May, 2008, Rev. Otey received an honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity from Anchor Theological Seminary and Bible Institute in Texarkana, Arkansas.
He retired from the Bedford Weaving Mill in Bedford, VA.
At an early age, he professed faith in Christ, and was baptized at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church in Big Island, VA. He served as a deacon, a sunday school teacher, and a faithful choir member. During his time at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church. He accepted the call to ministry and was ordained as a Minister to preach the Gospel in 1965.
Over a 50 year span, Rev. Otey pastored five churches: Little Zion and Poplar Flats Baptist Churches in Nelson County, Republican Grove and Christian Tabernacle Baptist Churches, Halifax County, and Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Brookneal. In July, 2015, Pastor Otey, retired from pastoring, but continued to preach occasionally.
He was a member of the Big Island Masonic Lodge No. 316, Prince Hall Masons, Martha W. Otey Chapter No. 217, Order of the Eastern Star, and Constantine Consistory No. 105, 32nd degree Masons. In 1997, in Washington, DC, he was elevated to the 33rd degree, the highest degree in Masonry. Rev. Otey served as Grand Chaplin of Prince Hall Masons in the state of Virginia from 2002-2004.
Rev. L. S. Otey leaves to cherish his memory seven children, five sons and two daughters: Sammie (Yvette) of Lynchburg, VA, Timothy (Rita) of Forest, VA, Sharon (Sal) Jefferson, of Forest, VA, Milton (Katina) of Glen Allen, VA, Rev. L. Keith (Renate) of Forest, VA, Ricky (Adriene) of Richmond, VA, and Vicki, of Big Island, VA; seven grandchildren: Butch (Zakia) Jefferson, Libby Jefferson, Tiana (Justin) McWhite, Dauvon (Melinda), Jessica Otey, Courtney Otey, and Bianca Otey; six great grandchildren: Bryce Otey, Trey Otey, Landry McWhite, Roman Otey, Jaxon Otey, and Blake Otey; one sister, Mary O. Patterson of Lynchburg, VA; one brother-in-law, William Wright of Madison Heights, VA; a dedicated and caring friend of the family, Marvin Tune, of Rustburg, VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at Tree of Life Ministries with the Rev. Dennis Moody, officiating and the Rev. Keith Otey as eulogist. The interment will be held at the Sharon Baptist Church cemetery, Big Island, Va.The family will receive friends on Tuesday at Sharon Baptist Church, Big Island, Va., from 6 to 8 p.m.Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Services.