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Otis Redding Obituary

In Loving Memory of
Otis Redding Jr.
September 9, 1941
December 10, 1967
You will always
be remembered as a
Loving Husband,
Father,
Extraordinary Friend and
Legendary Entertainer.
We love and miss you always but your legacy continues through us.
Zelma Redding
& Family

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Telegraph on Dec. 10, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Otis Redding

Sponsored by Legacy.com.

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S. Breeze

November 3, 2023

Otis you sang your songs with all your soul full of deep felt emotion. Rest In Peace and condolence to the Redding family for their loss of such a man of spirit and though so much time has passed still doesn´t make it any easier. SB

BJH

November 2, 2023

BJH

November 2, 2023

BJH

November 2, 2023

Remembering Otis who graced us all with his voice. Rest In Peace and condolence to the Redding family. You are not forgotten even as time goes by you are thought of. BJH

The Friends of Pebble Beach

October 14, 2023

The Friends of Pebble Beach

The Friends of Pebble Beach

October 14, 2023

The Friends of Pebble Beach

October 14, 2023

The Friends of Pebble Beach honor Otis Redding for his musical accomplishments. May he Rest In Peace. TFPB

Roger Williams

September 30, 2023

Otis I honor your memory. Condolence to the Redding family for their painful loss so long ago. R.W.

Silver Cloud,N.W. Territories

August 27, 2023

Not forgotten. Great memories Otis of your music especially at the Monterey Pop Festival-1967. S.C.

Veornita Sims

May 10, 2023

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Veornita Sims

Otis You Are Shinning Bright Now

January 29, 2023

The Strength of a Redwood

January 23, 2023

Marilyn Graham

December 13, 2022

Sorry I missed the privilege of meeting you but your legacy lives on. Your wife and children are beautiful and I look forward to seeing you when I see Jesus face to face. Thank you for your music and songs.

Richard Petty

December 10, 2022

One of my first music heroes.

RIP Otis x

Donna Sue (Perry) Ellison

December 4, 2022

Such a huge loss to the music industry. I was 8 years old when he passed. I loved his music then and even more so today. My heartfelt sympathy continues to the Redding family.

Denise

December 4, 2022

I´m sitting here right now listening to Mr. Otis Redding´s Christmas music. I love to hear him sing no matter what he is singing. I wish I could have seen him perform in person. May God bless the family and friends as we remember the life that he lived, the music he left us, and what an awesome person and entertainer he was. Rest in grace Mr. Redding

Bill Harren

September 28, 2022

For you Otis,I was living in Monterey,Ca.,in high school,1967,when in my car I heard of your passing. Sitting on the dock of the bay.Rest In Peace my friend. Bill

Courtney Steele

June 12, 2022

Your music has gotten through some rough times. Thank you. You will be missed forever.

Bill Harren

March 27, 2022

Otis, after all these years your still missed by your fans. I lived on the Monterey Peninsula Ca.,1967 when you played there. I give my condolence to the Redding family.Bill Harren

James and Veronica Mattson

December 20, 2021

In our hearts forever

Loretta H. Jackson

October 28, 2021

In memory want to send a great thank u for giving me my once in a lifetime chance to become a famous singer and taking me places with ur band I never would have seen meeting stars I never would have met and putting my voice on record I never could have not done if u
Hadnt thought I was good enough for this I'll never forget u we all still love u and ur wonderful music, you were the greatest there was nobody like u and hats off for ur sons carrying u on rest in peace on that Dock of the Bay love Loretta Williams Jackson AKA

Dave Roberts

June 9, 2021

Happy to see the writers on Jeopardy honored Mr. Redding with a Final Jeopardy clue based on his iconic song this evening (6/9/2021). So sad only one of the contestants was able to come up with the correct answer.
Blessings to you and your family and may Otis continue to Rest In Peace.

Austin Thomas

December 4, 2020

Like many, I sometimes have a case of the Covid blues. When I listen to Otis, I'm better right away.

Lindsey

March 28, 2020

I was just a young girl when Mr Redding died but I remember him and that day very well. It was a great sadness. To Mrs Redding and all the family I offer my condolences. Still enjoy the wonderful music.

Estell Jamison

September 9, 2019

I was only two years old at the time of Mr. Redding's death. I didn't know any thing about music. But, when I heard his voice and the words to his songs I wonder how could a man sing so hard and so deep and with so much meaning in his songs. There will never be another like him. I want to thank The Redding Family for sharing him with us.

Rudolph Teel

October 29, 2018

who can ever forget the great Otis Redding,the great music that he made will never be forgotten.

Shamrock Jones

October 28, 2018

Otis Redding was a great, talented musician. What an old soul he had to be so young. Sitting on the dock of the bay, is an all time favorite. His music will live on, and so will the nostalgia that it inspires.

Sallie Palmer

December 10, 2017

A very talented singer.his songs will live on in many hearts.i loved his music,and i still enjoy listening to his songs now...,

September 9, 2017

Missing and Remembering You Otis. The great loving songs I'll never forget; These Arms of Mine, Pain in my Heart, Tramp, just to name a few; out of the Many Unforgettable and Soulful Songs, from the 1992 (The Very Best of Otis Redding). To the Late and Great Otis Redding, Thank You. September 09, 2017.

Beatrice, Mobile AL

Steven Tyler

September 9, 2017

I was a young child in 1968, the first time I heard Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay, but I just loved that song! It was a few years later that I learned about Otis and more about his music. Such a big part of my early memories, I always wonder what might have been, such a huge loss. Rest In Peace My Brother!

Luey

February 11, 2017

Oh how I miss the classy bands and singers of the '50's and 60's. Especially the likes of Otis Redding! Today's youth don't know what they're missing!

Steve Mack

February 3, 2017

Huge loss.

Sandra Gasque

December 10, 2016

Thank you for the beautiful memory of Otis Redding. I remember and will never forget his music.

Glenda Gray

December 10, 2016

I just read a beautiful article remembering the death of Otis Redding. I was just a young girl, but I remember Mr. Phalon Jones Sr. who Was a friend of my dad losing his only son. It was a sad Christmas that year, but I remember WDIA radio playing the Bar-Kay's and Otis Redding over and over. It was sad but beautiful in the joy the music of these men had brought to the world. Dock of the Bay was as if Otis knew it was his time to go, and no one could stop listening to it. It still is melancholy today after all these years. Though no one has made a song about it like "The Day the Music Died" after the death of Buddy Holly, Otis wrote his own memorial and his music did not die but lives on in our hearts and memories. Thank you for the beauty all of you gave to us in your gifts and talents! You are not forgotten.

Valenda Newell

October 1, 2016

THANKS for leaving music fans with one's beautiful music. Its all about longevity and one's music I still hear in movies, commercials and on the radio. There will never be another SOUL SINGER with a voice even similar to OTIS... MANY PRAYERS and BLESSINGS

Jon Brougham

September 9, 2016

I was nine when Otis passed away. He was a big part of my childhood and adult years and always represented universal human feelings more honestly than anyone.

Serena B. Highsmith

September 9, 2016

Happy Birthday to the Big "O", you were and still are one of my favorite singers of all times. Your spirit is Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay.

September 9, 2016

Wishing the late great Otis Redding a Happy Birthday in heaven still listening to all of his great songs that soulful voice will never be forgotten RIP much love to his family

D. Moore

December 10, 2015

Remembering Otis Redding today.

RANDY BOULET

September 9, 2015

a true genius,true talent,entertaner,as great as Elvis

Vanessa McCloud

August 11, 2015

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Don Roper

May 13, 2015

the voice and songs are (and will continue to be)
such recognizable legends

D G

May 7, 2015

Such a talented man, his song Sittin on the Dock of the Bay,has always been one of my favorites. May he rest in peace.

ILAR THOMAS

January 12, 2015

I WAS TRULY A FAN OF YOUR OTIS I LOVE YOU THEN AND I STILL LOVE YOU EVEN THOGH YOU ARE NOT HERE WITH US SO REST IN PEACE I KNOW YOU WAS TIRED , SO I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU AND YOUR RECORDS I LOVE EVERY ONE OF THEM AND TO MRS. ZELMA AND THE CHILDREN MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY.LOVE YALL.

F Underwood

December 28, 2014

I can't have a Christmas without Otis singing some of my favorite songs !!! May God bless the family now and always !!!

brian blumfield

December 27, 2014

just like zelma i play his records all day saturdays! were just about to start another year without him, unbelievable, love to all his family.

David Golden

December 15, 2014

God bless my mom got me hooked when I was young I've loved the guy every sense I've also have had the luck to meet and hang out with his son wow

December 15, 2014

peace and love Peyton Place Macon Ga.

December 15, 2014

Proverb 18:16

What a gift! How blessed are we as a community to have dwelt with this national treasure.

Zachery S. Mitcham

Tommy White

December 11, 2014

The greatest R & B shouter of all times!!
There is no one to compare. Just listen to "These Arms of Mine" and you will know what the Big O was all about.

Bibi Vankenie

December 11, 2014

RIP Ottis you are 1 of my fav singer !!

Harriet Brown

December 11, 2014

OTIS WAS A FAVORITE OF MY THREE SINGERS WHO I CHOSE TO LISTEN TO DURING MY TEEN YEARS. I ADMIRED HIS STYLE OF MUSIC AND HE DEFINITELY WAS A GREAT ENTERTAINER. HE IS MISSED DEARLY. MUCH LOVE TO THE REDDINGS FAMILY.

THE BROWNS FAMILY
MACON, GA. (HARRIET&JAMES)

Rudy Teel

December 11, 2014

December 10 1967 was a sad day for me. One of the most dynamic singers of our times lost his life in a tragic plane crash .otis you are the best ,man could you sing.

Myra Betrece

December 10, 2014

Rest In Peace Otis . . . You'll always be one of my favorite EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMERS of all time!

I will cherish and enjoy your music forever!

Bob Wilson

December 10, 2014

Still miss you. A great singer and performer. I was still in High School when this tragic crash happened. Man could you sing!!

Brenda McQueen

December 10, 2014

This was a bleak day for me when my favorite singer died. I remember seeing him at the Apollo and he held my hand as he sang and I promised I would never wash that hand again. A great singer left too soon.

Joe Groves

December 10, 2014

Rest In Peace Otis.Beautiful music!

Tim R

December 10, 2014

I feel fortunate to have lived in the era where I had a chance to see and hear many great musicians. Sittin' on the dock of the bay I think was the first 45 record I bought. That song still resonates with me and I'll always think of Otis Redding..... man, I really enjoyed listening to him and still do. Thanks for being there when you were. You're in my prayers.

Glenda Gray

December 10, 2014

I will always remember that day. My father was friends with Phalon Jones, Sr., who was a very nice man. Phalon was his only child. My Dad and he both drove cabs. He came by our house after it happened. I was little girl, but I saw the sadness and pain. His music will live on for generation to follow.

TORIE PERRY

December 10, 2014

R.I.P OTIS

December 10, 2014

Otis will live on forever through his music and in the hearts of all those who loved him and his music, myself being one of them. May God continue to bless each of you.

Betty Wilkerson
Harrisburg/Steelton, PA

S. Clark

December 10, 2014

Still enjoying his music today. Every time I miss place the CD- I go back to Amazon and order it again. I was born 10 years after his passing and who would have ever imagined his music withstanding generation after generations. My parents continued to play his albums when I was growing up and it stuck with me and now I catch my children humming 'Sittin on the dock of the bay wastin' time' because they hear my husband and I listening to it. May the legend continue to live on!

J.Michael Wilson

December 10, 2014

Gone too soon. We miss you Otis.

December 10, 2014

Always remember Otis. My favorite is I've Been Loving You Too Long.

Wendy Sheppard

December 10, 2014

Try A Little Tenderness is my favorite song. REST IN PEACE. Thank you for your music

Bro. William Bonner,Jr.#159PHA

December 10, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Llewellyn "Kit" Kelley

December 10, 2014

Happy Birthday Big O!

Merri Fisher-Herron

February 18, 2014

I was a young girl 18yrs old pregnant, at the time I heard of Otis Redding's death I grieved my self into early delivery, two weeks before time I gave birth to a baby girl named Kebra. I always told her Otis was the father I chose for her. There hasn't been & will never be a voice that still sends chills thru my soul. I listen to him every day. My daughter knows that Otis isn't her father, she & my grands all love his music. I never met him but his music always did & will always be my choice. Thank You Otis & Mrs. Redding.

SARAH HOLLINGER

December 17, 2013

MUSIC ALWAYS AND FOREVER

Wayne Pierce

December 16, 2013

Hearing Otis play & sing "These Arms of Mine" the first time I met him and then being on "Shout Bamalama" were the highlights of my musical life. His presence and performances were astonishing and truly unique.

December 13, 2013

Always remember Otis. My favorite "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay". He lives on forever and ever.

December 12, 2013

Kudos and thanks to Legacy.com

Fran Bibbs

December 12, 2013

I wasn't born when he passed but I fell in love with his voice and his music. You will always be in my heart and on my iPod. RIP and prayers to the family

Denise Digby

December 11, 2013

Blessing to the Family
A True Legend...........

sonia t

December 10, 2013

Wish you were here to show the world how to really sing a song! Missing your voice very much. Sing on Big O!

Wendy Sheppard

December 10, 2013

Sing on. What a loss for the world.

B Wade

December 10, 2013

Wish he was still here making music.

Dell McCann

December 10, 2013

Redding Family: We had recently moved to Jones County when, on the night of Dec. 10, 1967, our phone started ringing late at night. First couple of calls my mother thought were wrong numbers. The calls continued. She ended up talking to many of the people who called. She had never heard of Otis Redding Jr., but he must have had a lot of people who loved him judging by the calls that night. It seems we had your old phone number - 986-6275. I've often thought over the years how I'd love to know who those people were who called that night! Later, of course, we came to know who this great man was, and to love his music. May he rest in peace, and may you all continue to cherish the memories.

Ginny

December 9, 2013

Oh I look like I'm down in my luck Please send faith to help pick me up I've lived this way so many years Ole man trouble Please wash away all my fears

Ginny Walton

December 9, 2013

We love you Otis and family. Praying for you all and thinking about him and his beautiful gift of music. God rest his Soul.

estee (disco pig) tharpe sr.

December 3, 2013

Rest on in peace. We love you still

Rudy Teel

April 20, 2013

Thanks for the great music,and the memories.yours music lives on today in the heart of a million fans .

Kalumbi Chitanika

February 18, 2013

Otis is remembered even in Africa by those who loved his music.

AT

January 19, 2013

Otis was the most significant artist in the most magical time in the evolution of music history. His music was so personal, I almost feel like he was a friend of mine.

V. Long

December 17, 2012

Thanks for the music and the memories. RIP and know you are still in our memories & hearts. He was gone too soon but leaves memories of a better time in life for many of us through his music. To the family, remember all he did and make him proud.

Virginia Long

December 17, 2012

Otis Redding is another example of a talented young individual gone before his time. His music lives on in so many of us and brings back memories of a better time. Rest in peace Otis. To the family left behind, be proud of him and all he accomplised.

Virginia Long

December 17, 2012

Another talented young person, gone well before their time. His music lives on and brings back a lot of good memories of good times gone by. My best goes out to the remaining family of this talented man.

sarah hollinger

December 14, 2012

your music will always remain the greatest

Alovely Spirit

December 13, 2012

Nay the Lord keep ya in his care another Amazing talent gone to soon, your music lives on and we are so thankful. Thanks for allowing his memory to never burn out, he still is very much alive in all he has given us through his magic voice.

December 13, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ms. Rosland F. Sneed

December 12, 2012

To The Redding Family: The legacy that your father left behind, will never fade away.I will always keep a place in my heart for, "The Late Great Otis Redding ".

Rev, Charles Reeves II

December 10, 2012

I remember seeing Otis Redding for the first time as a six grader B.S.Ingram Elementary School during the mid sixties. Otis had stopped by to see some of his old teachers, Mrs. Riggins, Mrs. Frambro, Principle Miss. Brown and others. The school kids and teachers all went wild with joy each time Otis would stop by at his old elementary school. My most memmorable visit yo the school was the day he showed up again unannounced with a brand new Thunderbird with the flip up head lights none of us had seen such as that before, Otis Redding was an Inspiration to all of us Children from the Tindall Heights Housing Projects because we all knew that he had grew up there also. He taught us children by example that you are a victim of yourself not your environment. My saddest day was when at 11 years old I stood beside my mother inside the funeral looking down at this giant of a man lying peacefully at rest. Thank you Otis Redding for all that you did to encourage those coming behind you, you never forgot about your roots, with that everlasting million dollar smile.

Kitty Reid

December 10, 2012

zelma,you kno Big Otis will always will always be with us through his music,but you & th family are especially in ourhearts on th 10th of Dec. Love & prayers Kitty Reid,

December 10, 2012

I will always remember Otis. There's no other who will ever equal up to him. Every time I hear Sitting On The Dock of The Bay I miss him more.

Fan forever,
Nedra Bradley

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