Otis Appling

Otis Appling passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025, in the comfort of his own home. Otis was born to Lillie Bell Appling, on May 5, 1930, in Ashburn, GA. Otis received his formal education in Cordele, GA. Otis was inducted into the United States Army on January 15, 1951, and later transferred to Army Reserve on January 16, 1953. Otis was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army on December 13, 1956.
Upon discharge from service, Otis resided in Summit, NJ, where he was employed briefly at the Summit Hotel. Otis met his beloved Virginia during this employment; they were joined in Holy Matrimony, June 7, 1957, at the Pilgrim Baptist Church Summit, NJ. Otis was permanently employed at Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals for over forty years when he retired on June 30, 1995.
Brother Otis joined Pilgrim Baptist Church, Summit, NJ, in the late 50's when the church was located on Glenwood Place. He was a very active member of the church; he served as Church Treasurer for 37 years and was on the Board of Trustees.
Brother Otis was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on August 2, 1963, and dedicated himself to his lodge and Freemasonry in its entirety. Brother Otis served as worthy patron 12 times for Golden Rule Chapter No. 50 first, 1963 through 1964, lastly, 2009 through 2010. He served in numerous capacities throughout Prince Hall Freemasonry and its appendant, adoptive, and affiliated bodies. Brother Otis served as Worshipful Master of Golden Rule Lodge No. 24 from1972 through 1975. He also served as District Deputy Grandmaster of the Faithful Sixth Masonic District. In 1993, Brother Otis served as Illustrious Potentate of Golconda Temple No. 24, and as Illustrious Commander in Chief of Douglass Consistory No. 10 where he became a Grand Inspector General of United Supreme Council AASR. Brother Otis was elected and served as the Grand Worthy Patron of Oziel Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, PHA, from 2002 through 2004. Throughout his masonic career, Brother Otis Appling served in other Masonic Houses. In 2022, Golden Rule Chapter No. 50 honored Otis and Virgina Appling by renaming their Scholarship Award to "The Otis and Virgina Appling Scholarship." These are just a few of the many accolades that Brother Otis was afforded in the Masonic Order.
Otis joins his beloved wife, Virgina Appling, his twin brother, Artis Appling, Sr. and his mother, Lillie Bell Appling in heaven. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Barthell, granddaughter, Shana Lawson, great grandson, Ryan Lawson Wright, niece, Tuwanda Crider, niece, Artise Appling, nephew, Artis Appling, Jr., niece, Carol Nadine Appling, great niece, Takiyah Thurman,
niece, Wanda Ritchie and a host of other nieces, nephews, family members and friends.