Billy Joe Otting

Billy Joe Otting (89) of LaFayette, Georgia and of the Baptist faith passed on December 16, 2025. He was a 1954 graduate of LaFayette High School. He was a player on the 1954 Rambler Regional 3A Football Championship team. Mr. Otting served in the United States Marine Corps from 1954-1956. He was a member of the LaFayette Western Lodge 91 where he was a 3rd Degree Mason, a member of the SCV John B. Gordon Camp, and a member of the LaFayette Elks Club.
Mr. Otting was a general contractor and Land Developer in Walker County, Georgia for over 70 years. He was the owner of Otting International and Bill Otting, Incorporated. He served as a hospital trustee as treasurer and president of Hutcheson Medical Center. Mr. Otting was an avid wildlife lover. The State of Georgia has a wildlife management area named for him and can be found at Otting WMA | Department Of Natural Resources Division
He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon L. Otting and mother, Helen Wallin Otting; brother, Doyce F. Otting (Marie Otting) and sister, Linda Otting Cordle (Doug Cordle).
Mr. Otting is survived by his wife, Louise Ramage Otting; three children, Deana Otting McIlroy, David L. Otting (Lynn Otting), and Tess Otting Potts (Bruce Potts); grandchildren, Leslie Potts Kiewert (Michael Kiewert), Danielle Otting Warren (Matt Warren), Lauren Otting Smith (Justin Smith), Billie Jo Otting, Kathrine McIlroy, and Andrew McIlroy (Lisee McIlroy); brother, Jerry L. Otting (Suzanne Otting, deceased); several great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, December 20, at the LaFayette City Cemetery with Todd Smith and Dr. Charles Bishop officiating.
Honorary pallbearers are Martin (Jip) Hamilton, Ched Jackson, Mason Brewer, Christopher L. Pegg, Dustin J. Indigo, Larry Timmons, and Chris Kiewert.
Family will receive friends on Saturday from 12 p.m. to the hour of service at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Otting's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org or via mail to 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.