Reverend Otis James Outing

Reverend Otis James Outing, affectionately known as "Big O," was born on September 7, 1947, in Allendale, South Carolina, the beloved son of the late Willie and Annie Lou Creech Outing. On Friday, June 27, 2025, he peacefully transitioned from this life into eternal rest, surrounded by the love of his family and the grace of God.
Otis began his education at Olar Elementary and graduated from Voorhees High School. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably for three years. Upon returning home, he married his beloved wife of 56 years, Phillipine Odom. Their union was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Yolanda and Wanda. Otis continued to serve the country in the National Guard 369th Regiment Armory in Harlem, New York for over a decade.
Otis was a lifelong learner and a man of great intellect. He earned his undergraduate degree from Long Island University, Brooklyn, New York and later pursued his divine calling by obtaining a Master of Divinity from International Seminary, Plymouth, Florida.
His spiritual walk led him to serve faithfully at several churches throughout his life. He began serving in ministries at Grace Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, and continued serving at Second Baptist Church in Freehold, New Jersey. Upon relocating to Columbia, South Carolina, he joined Little Zion Baptist Church before becoming a devoted member and associate minister at Rehoboth Baptist Church. There, he joyfully sang with the Men's Choir until his health declined. He also served in various leadership roles and committees within the church.
Professionally, Rev. Outing held positions in information systems management at Citibank
and the City University of New York before concluding his career at South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), where he served with excellence until his retirement.
His commitment to public service extended far beyond the workplace. Rev. Outing served his community with passion and purpose. He held leadership roles including President of the Columbia Branch of the NAACP, President of the South Carolina Public Health Association (SCPHA), President of the Winchester Homeowners Association, and was a proud member of American Legion Post #143 in St. Louis, Missouri. He faithfully served as a Richland County Poll Clerk for many years, across numerous election cycles. He was even instrumental in getting Rehoboth Baptist Church certified as a precinct. He was also an avid South Carolina State University Bulldog fan and supporter, serving on the STATE Club Board.
Above all, Rev. Outing was a man devoted to faith, family, and service. He was a loving husband, a proud father, and a guiding presence in the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His legacy is one of kindness, wisdom, humility, and unshakable faith in God.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Deaconess Phillipine Outing; daughters, Yolanda "Sunshine" Outing of Rahway, New Jersey, and Wanda (Norman) Thomas of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; grandchildren, Joshua James Thomas, Shanae Garcia, and Rhanel Thomas; great-grandchildren, Emmanuel Garcia, Shaniya Garcia, and Lunafreya Alexander; siblings, William (Sarah) Outing of Kingstree, South Carolina, Willie Mae (Ervin) Gibbs, Annie Ruth (Wilson) Steward, and Myrdis (Henry) Tart, all of Raleigh, North Carolina; goddaughters, Kiersten and Kelsi Crawford of Columbia, South Carolina; special family friend, Alberta Webb; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, and friends who will miss him dearly.
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