Obituary for Otis Bess Jr.
Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. ~ John 14:27
Otis Bess, Jr. affectionately known as Lurch, Moses, Soldier Man, and Spider Man was born on October 13, 1949, to the union of Otis Bess and Rachel Johnson Bess. Otis attended the public schools of Duval County and was a graduate of New Stanton Senior High School, Class of 1967, home of the Mighty Blue Devils. After graduation, Otis enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After his service, Otis worked several jobs including the Duval County School System. Otis was added to the Church of Christ at an early age under the leadership of Bro. Walter Cox, Jr.
Otis met and married Kristina Sampson on March 29, 2015. He cared deeply for his family. He loved music and always “tried” to dance. Otis fought his illness for over seven years. He won and Christ got the victory.
Otis was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Bess, Sr. and Rachel Bess, and nephew, Telly Irby. He was a faithful and dedicated member of Northbound Church of Christ and the American Legion Post #197.
Otis was called from his labor to reward on Wednesday, September 14, 2022; he answered that call. Otis’ life journey will be cherished by his loving and dedicated wife: Kristina Bess; daughter: Stacie “Puddin” Bryant (Timothy); son: Otis L. Bess; only brother, Cyrus Bess (Cindy); sisters: Anthonette Irby and LaTrell Bess; grandchildren: Ciara Campbell (JaWaun), Timothy Bryant II, Tyree Bryant, Timaya Bryant; nieces: Adia Bess, Annacita Irby, Kevina Smith, Rachelle Kerger; nephews: Jonathan Irby, Elijah Bess, Gabriel Bess; great-grandchild: Cairo Campbell; great-nieces and nephews: Hannah Bess, Blessing Irby, Michael Wells, Odonis Irby, Telly Irby Jr., Azairea Irby, Trinity Irby, Kyara Mitchell, Kuniya Smith, Kiyon Smith, Cameron Kerger, Ezra Kerger; son-in-law, Timothy Bryant; sister-in-law, Cindy Bess; special friend since 8 years old, Hobert Fitzpatrick; special cousin, Ruby Johnson; and a host of relatives and friends
Otis Bess, Jr. affectionately known as Lurch, Moses, Soldier Man, and Spider Man was born on October 13, 1949, to the union of Otis Bess and Rachel Johnson Bess. Otis attended the public schools of Duval County and was a graduate of New Stanton Senior High School, Class of 1967, home of the Mighty Blue Devils. After graduation, Otis enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. After his service, Otis worked several jobs including the Duval County School System. Otis was added to the Church of Christ at an early age under the leadership of Bro. Walter Cox, Jr.
Otis met and married Kristina Sampson on March 29, 2015. He cared deeply for his family. He loved music and always “tried” to dance. Otis fought his illness for over seven years. He won and Christ got the victory.
Otis was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Bess, Sr. and Rachel Bess, and nephew, Telly Irby. He was a faithful and dedicated member of Northbound Church of Christ and the American Legion Post #197.
Otis was called from his labor to reward on Wednesday, September 14, 2022; he answered that call. Otis’ life journey will be cherished by his loving and dedicated wife: Kristina Bess; daughter: Stacie “Puddin” Bryant (Timothy); son: Otis L. Bess; only brother, Cyrus Bess (Cindy); sisters: Anthonette Irby and LaTrell Bess; grandchildren: Ciara Campbell (JaWaun), Timothy Bryant II, Tyree Bryant, Timaya Bryant; nieces: Adia Bess, Annacita Irby, Kevina Smith, Rachelle Kerger; nephews: Jonathan Irby, Elijah Bess, Gabriel Bess; great-grandchild: Cairo Campbell; great-nieces and nephews: Hannah Bess, Blessing Irby, Michael Wells, Odonis Irby, Telly Irby Jr., Azairea Irby, Trinity Irby, Kyara Mitchell, Kuniya Smith, Kiyon Smith, Cameron Kerger, Ezra Kerger; son-in-law, Timothy Bryant; sister-in-law, Cindy Bess; special friend since 8 years old, Hobert Fitzpatrick; special cousin, Ruby Johnson; and a host of relatives and friends