Otis' Story

Otis Olander Washington II was born on April 12, 1982, in Torrance, California to proud parents Mr. & Mrs. Otis O. Washington I. 

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The youngest of four children, Otis was always wise beyond his years while maintaining a humble and gentle disposition at all times. Growing up in our father's church Holy Communion Gospel Center, Otis was a man of faith, serving as a mentor, drummer, teacher, and singer.    

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As a young child, Otis lived his faith in such a way that even adults were challenged to live better simply by watching him. His Saginaw High School football coach Don Durrett called him ‘Angel,’ stating, “Otis was a special person. He was truly an angel.” (Mlive.com, 9/28/2020). Otis was loved and respected by everyone who knew him.

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Despite carrying a bullet in his chest since he was 9 years old - the result of a shooting that occurred while he played with friends in front of his father's church - Otis excelled in contact football. He played at Webber Middle School and at Saginaw High School, where he started as a varsity fullback and linebacker during all four years of high school. As a result of Otis' demonstrated leadership and athletic prowess, he earned the position of team captain.

 

The 1999 Saginaw High Trojans football team was inducted into the Saginaw County Sports Hall of Fame after winning the 1999 Division 2 State Championship. Otis attributed these accomplishments to them honoring

God, having one vision, unity, and following leadership. (mlive.com, 11/2/2018)   

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Otis graduated 10th in the Class of 2001 at Saginaw High School. He earned both academic and football scholarships to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where he continued to don the “sweet, sweet black and gold”

as a linebacker.  

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Otis’ time at “Vandy” was not just spent on football and studies; he had fun. Otis traveled, developed strong mentoring relationships with his peers, and he was active in his local church.

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Otis earned a bachelor of science degree in Human Organizational Development in Spring 2006.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                (mlive, 2018)

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Otis returned to Saginaw after his college graduation and, shortly thereafter, proposed to his one true love Deneishreon (Dee). He was employed as a substitute teacher at Saginaw High School during the Spring 2007 semester, covering his sister Krystal’s social studies classes during her maternity leave.

 

Otis and Dee were married on September 29, 2007, by his father Pastor Otis O. Washington I, at Holy Communion Gospel Center. Many family and friends were in attendance, including Coach Durrett, who remained a mentor and friend.

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Otis and Dee moved to Columbus, Ohio, where he worked as an Operations Supervisor for Nationwide Insurance. Soon after, their first daughter Taylor was born, followed by Savannah, whom Otis lovingly nicknamed “Berries." Their family was complete. The girls were homeschooled, which allowed them to spend precious time together, creating many memories that they treasure.

 

Although Dee's primary focus was on the girls as a stay-at-home mother, Otis encouraged her to pursue the goals she set for herself - and she did. Dee earned associate and bachelor of arts degrees in Communications from University of Phoenix, a master of arts degree in education from Ashford University (now University of Arizona Global Campus), and she published a book of poetry, "Just a Walk with God," in 2016. 

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Otis and Dee were partners in love, life, parenting, and ministry. They especially enjoyed making music together, which can be found on their website Real Warrior Music. Otis also developed collaborative music projects with his cousin, Saginaw High School alumnus and basketball standout Joshua Southern '07 (riskystudioslansing.com). 

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Otis’ love for God, family, and humanity brought him before many great people. He was both bold and humble, a man of peace, non-judgmental, a lover of learning and teaching,  and a

true family man. 

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Unbeknownst to everyone except his Heavenly Father, Otis’ time on Earth was to end suddenly on Friday, September 18, 2020. He was 38 years old. (Obituary)

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Although Otis’ life was short, he filled it with greatness, beauty, love, wisdom, and laughter. He left a tremendous legacy from which we can all learn and, as he did as a child, be challenged to consider our life's journey.

 

How will we live? (Joshua 24:15) How do we add value within our sphere of influence? (I Thess. 5:11) Is the world a better place because we are here? (Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8) Is God pleased with our use of the gifts and talents

that we have? (Matt. 25:14-30)

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Otis was a son of the City of Saginaw. His legacy will continue to inspire students at Saginaw United High School and the Tri-City community.  

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(Rickey Fields, 2013)