Billy Ottinger
Billy Eugene Ottinger, 85, of East Brainerd, went home to be with His Lord at 12:30 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, and was reunited with his loving wife, Ann.
Billy was surrounded by his loving family and we rejoice in knowing that dad and Papaw, bravely fought the good fight and is now celebrating in the presence of the Lord.
Billy was born June 30, 1931, to the late Ben and Ida Mae Ottinger of Whitwell, Tn. He accepted the Lord on June 27, 1941, at Vacation Bible school. He served the Lord for over 75 years and was an ordained deacon since 1961. He served in various church leadership roles as well as song director but his real passion was serving as Sunday School teacher and sharing the word of God with others. Much of his ministry was at Temple Baptist Church, Harmony Baptist and New Haven Baptist.
Bill along with his wife Ann were instrumental in organizing several churches in Chattanooga. While serving at Temple Baptist Church, Bill, Ann and Curtis sang as a family trio and traveled ministering in song for 39 years. He was a member of Silverdale Baptist Church for the past five years and most recently had become a member of GraceWorks Church.
He retired from Combustion Engineering in the Accounting Department after 35 years of service. After his retirement he joined the Ed Sorrick Agency of State Farm Insurance and retired a second time after 20 years. Bill also worked for his son at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel for 15 years.
He was a 50-year member of the East Lake OES#238, Whitwell Masonic Lodge, Past Patron of Sequatchie Valley Lodge #116 and a member of the Alhambra Shrine Temple.
While living at Morning Pointe, Bill served as the song and prayer leader of the Prayer Warriors and was the song leader in the Abundant Life Class.
He was preceded in death in 2009 by his loving wife of 51 years, Ann Kennedy Ottinger, his parents, Ben and Ida Mae Ottinger; three brothers, Doc, Herman (Rusty) and Norman Ottinger and his grandson, Josh Ottinger.
Bill is survived by his four son and their families, Marty (Linda) Ottinger of Harrison; Del (Karen Ann) Ottinger, Chattanooga, Curtis L. Ottinger (Herb Pettit), and Tim (Debbie) Ottinger, all of Ooltewah; nine grandchildren, Jeremy (Katy) Ottinger, Leah (Randy) Shadden, Brandy (Billy) Coats, Jenny Ottinger, Brittany (Michael) Teets, Maeghan Ottinger, Brad Ottinger, Tiffany (Sean) Nelson and Heather Ottinger; twelve great-grandchildren, Hunter, Taygen, Triton, Lucy, Madison, Sydney, Emma, Bentley, Anniston, Malaki, Presley and Lilah; sister-in-law, Joyce Ottinger, Montgomery, AL; brother-in-law, Pete (Faye) Kennedy, Estero, FL; many loving nieces and nephews; his former daughters-in-law, Karen Ottinger and Jane Young.
The last years of Bill’s life had been at Morning Pointe- Shallowford Road where he made many wonderful friends who have become part of our family as well. We are forever grateful for all the wonderful staff and residents of Morning Pointe. Your love and care for our dad and Papaw will never be forgotten.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 2:30 p.m. at GraceWorks Church, 6445 Lee Highway (the big cross at I-53 and Lee Highway) with Dr. Bill Owens, Rev. T.D. Burgess and his sons officiating.
Burial will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens with Michael Teets, Jeremy Ottinger, Sean Nelson, Billy Coats, Keith Morgan and Randy Shadden serving as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers will be the staff and residents and families of Morning Pointe at Shallowford.
Visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share a memory of Bill, send a word of comfort to the family and view the memorial tribute.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 3-8 p.m. and Sunday, from 12-2 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Chapel, 7454 E. Brainerd Road.