William Morris Otto

On Thursday, August 26, 2021, William Morris Otto, loving husband, father, Papa, and eldest of a 5-generation family, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones at the age of 97. William was born January 25, 1924 to Eugenia Otto Williams and Sidney Carl Williams. He was later adopted by his aunt and uncle, Eva and John Wilhelm Otto. In June of 1941, before the start of WWII, he joined the United States Navy at the age of 17. He served two enlistments and was assigned to the USS Elliot (DD-146), which was a Wickes-class destroyer. After serving his country, he entered the work force where he worked at Brookley Field and eventually working for Ingalls Shipbuilding, from which he retired. After retirement he had found many ways to keep busy, including having his shrimp boat, the Willie Jean. He loved gardening, woodworking, and learning new crafts. In 2016, he opened Papa's fruit stand. He then took on crabbing and raising soft shells, and at the age of 93, started his own lawn service. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Clarabelle Jones Otto; son, Roger T. Otto; step-son, Charles Collier; grandson, James C. Nelson, III; great-grandson, Mitchell A. Roberson; and two great-great-granddaughters, Jaylee and Julianna Roberson. He is survived by his wife, Jean Inez Otto; children, Carol (Patrick) Burns, Susan (Michael) McIntosh, and Sharon (James JC) Nelson; step-children, Ginger (Harold) Guillotte, Mary Jean (Steve) Stauter, Doug (Lorrie) Collier, Connie (Charles) Martin, Pheland (Martha Ann) Collier, and Nick Collier; grandchildren, Angie Burt, Sandy Otto Roberson, Roger M. (Bubba) Otto, Sherri Orso, Tammy Short, Brandy Sims, William Lightfoot, Josie Pittman, David Otto, Josh Otto, Brian Otto, Justin Otto, Lisa Vail, Olivia Moody, Melissa Sullivan, Sandy Guillotte Roberson, Harold Roger (Bunyan) Guillotte, Walter Stauter, Vince Stauter, Mark Stauter, Cassie Lara, Tyler Collier, James Paul Collier, Robert Collier, John Collier, Brittney Sprinkle, Corey Collier, Amy Horton, Frankie Martin, Tayla Collier, and Tyla Collier; many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Iris Copeland; brother-in-law, Bill Copeland; other relatives, and friends. Services will be held Friday, September 3, 2021 from 9-11 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Heron Bay. There will be mass at 11 AM followed by graveside service at Dorlon Cemetery also in Heron Bay. Family and friends are welcome to return to St. Michael's Catholic Center for food and refreshments.

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William Morris Otto

January 25, 1924 - August 26, 2021