Charles R. (CR) Otey, Jr.

CHARLES ROGERS OTEY, JR began his life journey in Columbus Ohio on October 2, 1945, as the first-born child to Charles Rogers Otey and Virginia Ellen (Gatliff) Otey.

Charles lived his childhood years in Columbus with his parents, grandparents, Aunt Jane Gatliff and younger brother, E. Thomas Otey.  His Christian life was developed and nurtured at St Philip Episcopal Church where he served as an acolyte.  His education flourished at Fairwood and Eastgate Elementary Schools, Franklin Jr High, and East High School (EHS). Upon graduation in 1963, he furthered his education at Ohio University and Franklin University. 

While in school, he developed his social presence as a member of the Boy Scouts and Jack and Jill Inc.  Charles loved sports and music. At EHS he ran Cross Country and played in the East High Dance Band.  Following high school, Charles continued his interest in music by playing in the Alan Tucker All Star Band and a one-of-a-kind concert with Stevie Wonder and the Supremes. Charles especially loved the music of Smokey Robinson.   As an adult, he continued his love of sports by attaining a Black Belt in martial arts and playing golf.  His social life included the Social Lads club and the Heavy Metal Motorcycle organization. 

Charles, known to most as CR, loved to party and was fun loving and outgoing.  He had many friends and acquaintances who were drawn to his charming smile, witty humor, smooth elegance, and kind soft-spoken mannerism. 

Charles worked a short time at Westinghouse followed by 35 years at the US Postal Service where he earned the Million Mile Safe Driving Award.  He also spent many years as a successful real estate agent. 

Charles served in the US Army, 25TH Infantry Division in the Viet Nam war.  Before his honorable discharge, Charles was awarded a Bronze Star for heroism and valor (during the Tet Offensive), and a Purple Heart for combat wounds. 

On January 11, 1971, Charles married the love of his life, Velda Boyer.  During their 54-year union, they were blessed with two beautiful children, Tamarra Duanna Otey and Charles Rogers Otey III, and seven wonderful grandchildren.  

Charles flew quietly into the arms of our Lord on March 13, 2025, at the age of 79, following a 15-year battle with PTSD and dementia. 

He was preceded in death by grandparents Earl and Duanna (Thomas) Gatliff & Clyde and Ollie (Brown) Otey, parents Charles R. Sr. and Virginia Otey, dearly beloved Aunt Jane Gatliff, and sister-in-law Della (Daryl) Walker. 

He is survived by his devoted wife, Velda; brothers, E. Thomas, Sr (Barbara) Otey, and Warren Steve Harrison; daughter Tamarra (Kevin, Jr) Youngblood; son Charles R III (Lisa) Otey; grandchildren Kalli and Kevin III Youngblood, Kayla, Tyler, Cameron, Jackson, and Addyson Otey; sisters-in-law Rowena (Barrya) Coleman and Ida Boyer; brothers-in-law David (Norma) Boyer and Terry (Carmilita) Boyer; dear Aunt-in-law Gwendolyn Broadus; Nieces Katrina, Atea, Cara, Anitra, Davina, January, and Amber;  Nephews E. Thomas, Jr, David II, TJ, and Daryl II; special God children Nichole, Kara, Angela, Jaman, and Jian; as well a host of other dearly loved relatives and lifelong friends.

Charles will forever be remembered for cherishing his wife and children as well as his love of travel, charismatic personality, magnetic demeanor, dapper style, and love of life.   He was one of a kind!

REST IN PEACE CR !!

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