Otis Mobley

Otis Mobley, affectionately known as OT, was born on May 3, 1933 to the union of John and Mamie Mobley in Saluda, South Carolina. He was one is seven children having four sisters and two brothers. When Otis was very young, his family moved to New York, which is where he received his formal education. After finishing school, he served in the United States Army where he received an Honorable Discharge. Otis met and married Anna Lee Gadson and to this union four children were born. He later met and married Dorothy Louise Williams, whom he called DW, and to this union together they raised nine children. OT held various jobs, first working with his family's moving company. He later became a painter and a carpenter. Otis was a "Jack of All Trades". His passion was painting houses. One can say that Otis was surely a character. Though he was never into politics, he was politically astute. He loved talking about politics and world events. OT prided himself on knowing everyone in the neighborhood and everybody knowing him. If you ever went anywhere in the city with him, someone would always yell out "Hey OT"! He would say, "Oh, that's my partner from up the street". He knew more people than one would believe. He had the gift of gab and could hold a conversation with anyone, and he did. He was long winded but he always had a word for you that would make you think. OT also loved loud music, good food and drinks. OT fought cancer for over thirty years. He made it work hard. He would always say that "the streets didn't kill him and he wasn't going to let cancer do it". On August 3, 2014, Otis Mobley's fight with cancer ended. God determined he had run his race and finished it, that he fought a good fight and it was time for OT to come home and take his rest. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mamie; his two wives, Anna Lee and Dorothy Louise; six siblings; two daughters, Sarah and Anita; and two sons, John and Rueben. Otis leaves to cherish his memories and continue his legacy, six daughters, Regina, Veda, Bertina (John), Melody, Betty and Barbara; one son, LaPonce (Tammy); 28 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; six sisters-in-law, Izetta, Barbara, Carolyn, Betty Ann, Rose Mary and Lois; one first cousin, Dorothy Golden; one special daughter, Kathy; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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Otis Mobley

May 3, 1933 - August 3, 2014