Dr. Charles S. Otto, Jr. 96, of LaGrange, GA, formerly of Valley, AL, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the West Georgia Medical Center in LaGrange.  He was born on November 11, 1920 in Kenmore, New York to the late Charles S. Otto, Sr. and Mary Anne Campbell Otto.

Dr. Otto is survived by his wife of 72 years, Ruth Otto; his four children, Charles S. (Linda) Otto, III, Bill (Cathy) Otto, John (Carla) Otto, and Marilyn (Drew) Russell; his daughter in law, Vickie Otto; sixteen grandchildren; and nineteen great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his son, Bob Otto.

Dr. Otto was a Yankee man who found his way into the heart of a Southern Bell from the Beehive community of Loachapoka, Alabama.

Dr. Otto received his Economics degree at the University of Michigan with the intent to pursue a law degree but joined the Army Air Corp and spent much of his time as a war correspondent in Iceland.  While stationed at Gunter Field at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL he met his soon to be bride, Ruth Dawson, at a USO social event and they later married on January 20, 1945. After his tour of duty he changed his career path and attended Auburn University where he earned his doctorate degree in Veterinary Medicine in 1951.

Soon after graduation, he began his large and small animal veterinary practice in Dadeville, AL. While in Dadeville his first three sons, Charles, Bill, and Bob were born.  In 1954 at the request of business owners of Darden Farms he moved his practice to Langdale.   Soon after came the birth of son, Johnny, and daughter, Marilyn.

Dr. Otto and Miss Ruth joined Langdale United Methodist Church in 1954 where they were active members and served in numerous capacities. Dr. Otto continued to serve the community with veterinary care until his retirement in January of 1995.  He contributes most of his success to his wife, Ruth, who was always there to help with the clinic while rearing their children.

During his years in “The Valley”, Dr. Otto served in various community activities, projects, and organizations.  Dr. Otto was very proud of his instrumental legislative role in Montgomery that resulted in the formation of the Chamber of Commerce.  He was also involved with the study of communities which ultimately led to the formation of the City of Valley and was one of the key leaders in the development of the Chattahoochee Humane Society.

Dr. Otto also served as a Boy Scout leader where he led many young men to earn the prestigious Eagle Scout Award; coached Little League; served as president of PTO at Valley High School; was involved with the Painted Rock Art Society; an avid supporter of the H. Grady Bradshaw Library; Pilot Club; served many years as a volunteer with Chattahoochee Hospice; and was a member of the American and Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, Chambers County Development Committee, Chambers County Health Council, and the East Alabama Veterinary Medicine Society.

Dr. Otto loved writing and displayed his journalistic talents through his many Letters to the Editor in the Valley Times-News.  His last editorials featured his personal life with Ruth.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 2:00 PM (EST) at the Langdale United Methodist Church with the Rev. Rusty Tate and the Rev. Paul Messer officiating.  The family will receive friends Friday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM (EST) at the Langdale United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Barrel of Love at Langdale United Methodist Church.

Visit our website at www.johnsonbrownservicefh.com to leave an online condolence for the family.

Johnson Brown-Service Funeral Home of Valley directing.