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BORN
1943
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Otis Pogue Obituary
Feb. 16, 1943 - Nov. 4, 2018
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
The family of Otis H. Pogue, Jr. (affectionately known as Opie) announces with much sadness his unexpected passing on November 4th while watching his favorite football team the Atlanta Falcons win their Sunday afternoon game.
Opie was born in Augusta, Georgia on February 16, 1943 and grew up and graduated high school in Decatur, Georgia. After spending several years working for General Motors on the assembly line he was drafted into the U.S. Army where he spent two years, the second of which as an infantryman on the DMZ in Vietnam. Upon his return he moved to Santa Cruz, California where in 1971 he became a Deputy for the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's where he served as an Inspector for 24 years. He retired in 2002 from a job that he loved after a long, successful career.
Opie married his wife, Carol Barron Smith, in 1978. In 2005 after his retirement they moved to Lake Havasu City, AZ. He loved Lake Havasu City. He loved the weather, the lake, his friends and off-roading. Most recently he had joined the Havasu 4X4 Trail Association, looking forward to many rides in the desert in his new Can-Am that was his pride and joy.
Opie is survived by his wife, Carol, his two sons, Gregory Chambers of Braselton, Georgia and Scott Chambers of Winder, Georgia, and by his 6 grandchildren and 3 great-granddaughters that he was so proud of, and by his most loved dog/person, Bugsy.
Services were entrusted to the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home. Thoughts and condolences can be sent to the family at www.lietz-frazefuneralhome.com. To send a free card go to www.sendoutcards.com/lietzfraze.
View the online memorial for Otis Pogue Jr.
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Memories and Condolences
for Otis Pogue
Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.
Winona Chambers
January 7, 2019
We Love and miss you Opie!! May God comfort you in your times of sorrow Carol!! We love you and want you to know that we are always here for you!!
Greg & Wendy Chambers
Vicki Parry
December 21, 2018
Dear Carol,
I just heard about Opie. I am so very, very sorry. I recall all the good time we had at or near the courthouse. My sympathy and warmest thoughts are with you.
The next time you are in Santa Cruz, I hope you contact me. Would love to buy you lunch.
Vicki Parry
Marta Osborne
December 18, 2018
My you rest in peace. To our family you've always been a hero. See ya on the other side.
Kristi Seyfried
November 28, 2018
Dear Carol,
I am so saddened by this news. I think of you both often and have fond memories working with you both at the County. I will say a sweet prayer for you and hope that time heals your broken heart.
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November 15, 2018
Dear Carol
I am so very saddened to hear of OP's passing but I must say - what a way to go! He would have loved to read that about someone else, I think. He was a wonderful man, a top notch investigator and he made me a better DA and, I think, a better person. It was my pleasure to work with him and I will miss him. My heart goes out to you and all his loved ones.
Ari Symons
Joan & Lee Elliott
November 14, 2018
Rest in Peace dear friend. You will be missed by those that knew you.
Our prayers are for Carol as you were the love of her life that she may also find peace.
Yvonne Conner
November 13, 2018
Carol, my heartfelt prayers for you, your family and friends. Otis was one of the Best! All my love.
Steve Muni
November 13, 2018
Carol, I was so sorry to learn of Opie's passing. He was a valuable colleague and a good friend for many years in the Santa Cruz DA's Office. He was an excellent investigator and I always enjoyed his great sense of humor. Please accept my deepest condolences. Steve
Tricia Petty (Bauleke)
November 12, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of Opies passing. Carol, I remember him as such a fun loving guy. I hope you will take comfort in your memories of him. God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
November 12, 2018
May God who understands your sorrow comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time.
(Psalms 94:19)
Rob Atack
November 11, 2018
Carol,
My thoughts are with you. I was saddened to hear of Otis's sudden death. He was a great guy. I always enjoyed his humor and respected his professionalism.
Rob Atack
November 11, 2018
Carol,
I am sorry for your loss. I pray that God comforts you during this time of sorrow.
Marty Krauel
Nancy Kerrigan
November 11, 2018
Dear Carol and family,
I was so sad to hear the news about OP. Lots of great memories of both of you at 701 Ocean St. in Santa Cruz years ago! My condolences.
Nancy K.
November 11, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
November 11, 2018
Carol:
Nick and I are deeply saddened. When he was on the Bench, Nick came to know Otis well. He had a deep regard for him, and cared about him. I didn't know him but remember you speaking with love and affection of your "Opie". And I remember thinking "What a marvelous blessing to love someone so much, and be loved in return." And you deserved it. I'm sure he did, as well.
God bless and keep you, Carol.
Nick and Martin Drobac
Joan & Lee Elliott
November 11, 2018
We are extremely sorry for the loss of a good friend and the love of your life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
anita elliott
November 11, 2018
Carol
I was so sorry to hear of Otis' passing. I saw the obituary in the Sentinel this morning. My sincere condolences. Sending love.
November 11, 2018
So sorry for your loss. May the family find strength from Almighty God during this time.
Porter
M C
November 10, 2018
I am truly and deeply sorry for your Loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Otis. May the God of all comport Grant you peace and strength during difficult time (Psalm 91:11).
November 10, 2018
Carol,
I am so sorry, and it breaks my heart. We have so many good memories. My love, hugs, thoughts, and prayers are with you.
Carol J
M C
November 8, 2018
I am truly and deeply sorry for your Loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Otis. May the God of all comport Grant you peace and strength during difficult time (Psalm 91:11).
Louise Chin
November 8, 2018
May the fond memories of your loved one sustain family at this time. May you also receive comfort from what is stated at 1 Peter 5:6,7.
November 8, 2018
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the death of your dear love one may God give you strength to endure this most difficult time please read John 6:40
November 8, 2018
To the family, I am sorry to hear the news about your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this challenging time. Isaiah 61:1,2 *
November 8, 2018
Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1
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