Otis Samuel Headley, 83, passed away on Aug. 12, 2020, in Oneonta, Ala. A native of Dothan, Ala., Otis graduated from Dothan High School before majoring in journalism at the University of Alabama where he met his beloved wife, Betty Jean Carr Headley.

Otis and Betty lived in Tuscaloosa, Dothan and Birmingham, Ala., and Meridian and Vicksburg, while Otis enjoyed a successful career in the newspaper industry and Betty taught high school and community college courses.

Otis served as advertising director at The Meridian Star and, in 1976, become general manager of The Vicksburg Post. Otis was active in community organizations and served as president of the Warren County Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce, the Vicksburg Rotary Club and the United Way of West Central Mississippi. He also served as chairman of the Warren County Airport Authority and the Vicksburg-Tallulah Regional Airport Board.

Otis and Betty retired in 2001 to Oneonta and enjoyed extensive travel overseas and cross-country in their RV. Otis was also able to pursue his passion for collecting antique cars, particularly Studebakers, and was a frequent award winner in area auto shows. Otis and Betty were both private pilots and owned several aircraft over their decades of flying. They especially enjoyed flying to visit their children and grandchildren around the country.

Otis was preceded in death by Betty in 2015 after 59 joyous years together. He is survived by his sister, Edna Stokes (Ed) of Cape Coral, Fla.; daughter, Karen Carow (Daniel) of Roseland, Va.; sons David Headley of Tyler, Texas, Kris Headley (Donna) of Alexander City, Ala., and Alex Headley of Denver, Colo.; grandchildren, Aaron Redditt, Liam and Aidan Headley; and great-granddaughter, Madison Redditt.

Otis will be laid to rest next to his loving wife, Betty, at Memory Hill Cemetery in Dothan, Ala. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to First Baptist Church of Oneonta, Ala.