Arnold L. Otts

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father and grandfather, Arnold L. Otts on December 17th, 2025.

He was born August 10, 1933 in Sulligent, Alabama, to Tilden L. Otts and Mary Hazel Birmingham Otts. He was a resident of Panama City for the past 58 years.

Arnold served his country stateside during the Korean War in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base, and worked as an airplane mechanic. He is featured in The American Legion, Department of Florida, a Florida History and Directory. He was always proud of his country.

Arnold attended school in Alabama and Illinois and had many certificates of further education in Illinois and Florida. He retired at the age of 80 as a well-respected employee of Moonspinner Condominium where he was a maintenance supervisor and property owner liaison for contractors and tenants for 30 years. He left every place he worked better than he found it. He possessed consummate organizational and problem-solving skills and was often sought out by fellow employees for guidance.

Throughout his life, Arnold held many interests. He loved cars, and could keep them running no matter what was wrong with them. He loved a clean vehicle! He loved cheese and ice cream. He was a big Clint Eastwood fan and there wasn't a sport on the planet that Dad wouldn't watch. Football, baseball and basketball were his favorites.

But most of all, Dad loved to work the land. It gave him great purpose and solace in his life. He was always on a riding lawnmower, clearing a path by hand, or pruning and trimming flowers and trees. He would cut gladiolas blooms and bring them to our Mom who loved their colors. He kept immaculate yards at both his main home and property in Bayou George, FL.

Arnold had several vegetable and flower gardens over the last 60 years. His vegetable gardens were all organic, long before organic farming was popular, and he grew some of the biggest, best-tasting tomatoes known to man (and to bunnies – just ask them!) Alongside his gardens lived blueberry bushes our mother, Mary planted, and a huge bottle brush tree, our mother's favorite on their property. Dad kept a cutting of our Granny Burch's rosebush from over 50 years ago. He gave potted rosebuds to all his children.

Arnold was baptized on July 27th, 1952 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

Arnold is survived by his children, Anita (Otts) Kiep, Jeffrey Otts (Darlene), Ronald E. Otts (Beth) and Gwyn (Otts) Joseph, his grandchildren Daniel Otts (Gina), Matt Kiep (Samantha), Morgan Otts, and Justin Joseph, and his great grandchildren Timothy and Natalie. He is also survived by brother Franklin D. (Dan) Otts (Norma) of Tennessee, and baby sister Sharen Lewis (Marv) of Rockford, Illinois and several nieces and nephews. Arnold was blessed to have a loving sister-in-law, Doris Dees, sister-in-law Angie Otts and neighbors Mark and Trina Paul and Ginny and James Garner.

Arnold is predeceased by his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth Otts, his father Tilden Otts, his mother, Mary Hazel (Birmingham) Otts and several brothers and sisters.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 pm Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, Panama City, FL. with Reverend Craig Brannon officiating.

The family will receive guests at the funeral home from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM , 2403 Harrison Avenue, Panama City, FL 32405

Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.kentforestlawn.com.

Peace and comfort to all Dad's family and loved ones. We will always miss you, Dad and Grandpa, brother and son. Rest well Dad. It's time to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Arnold's name.