Otis Wade Lovelace

The Life of Otis Wade Lovelace

If you ask for WISDOM, GOD will give it generously without finding fault. ~James 1:5

Let us imagine… that when the late Henry and Janie Lovelace birthed their youngest son, they had God in mind. They desired for him to grow up to be such a righteous man, that when his name was spoken, it reminded the world of the importance of asking God for wisdom. The name Otis Wade Lovelace was given to him on April 27, 1938 in Nathalie, Virginia. Otis had grown into the meaning of his name so much so that his children teased him of being a wise owl, because his initials were O.W.L.

Otis lived a full life that included making wise decisions that gave him the ability to prosper in many ways. One wise decision that he made in his earlier years, was deciding to learn a trade and skill in engineering upon his high school graduation. He studied and graduated from an Engineering Trade Academy in Virginia, which afforded him the opportunity to move to Pittsburgh PA, where we lived with his (late) brother Ernest and his (late) wife Eva.

His engineering degree earned him a position to work as an Elevator Operator at Otis Elevator Company, which was only fitting for him to work for a company that shared his same name. In 1958, while Otis worked on an elevator, he locked eyes with a sweet woman named Virginia Marie, who was from Uniontown, PA. Not long after their first acquaintance they began dating. Their courtship lasted two years before another wise decision was made. On February 27, 1960, Otis married Virginia Marie. The love between the Lovelaces’ grew and over the next few years three handsome sons were added to the family tree, Michael Anthony, Gregory Wade and Gerald Henry.

Over the years, Otis established a successful career working at the US Steel Mills and Westinghouse Electric Corporation before he decided to retire. Retirement was another wise decision for Otis because it provided more time to pursue his passion in music. Otis was introduced to music as a child, as he observed his mother play the piano. Without taking any lessons, he taught himself how to play the piano by memory. His passion for music afforded him the opportunity to start his very own band, that performed all around town for special events. Otis accepted Jesus Christ into his life and used his God-given talent to glorify the Lord. He was the Music Ministry’s Organist Player at his church home, Shiloh Community Baptist Church, for over 17 years.

Otis Wade Lovelace will not only be remembered for the wisdom he possessed, he will also be remembered for the Man, Husband, Father and Friend he was to those he loved. Otis the Man, will be remembered most for his knowledge of financial freedom. His desires were for his heirs to carry on the fundamentals of financial security to take care of their responsibilities in and outside of their homes. Otis the Husband will be remembered most for his provision. His vows were upheld from beginning to end; and his wife was confident that he provided her with a secure lifestyle. Otis the Father will be remembered most for his time. He spent quality time with each of his sons, making sure they witnessed strength, intellect, prosperity, tough love and even fun, fishing with Dad will always remain a fawn memory his sons will always remember. Otis the Friend will be remembered most for his humor. Close friends enjoyed his clever wit.

On March 5, 2021, Otis quietly left his earthly life to be cherished by his loving wife of 61 years, Virginia Marie; three sons, Michael, Gregory (Juliet/Daughter-in-love) and Gerald; five grandchildren, Regina (Cedric/Son-in-love), Lavelle, Michael, Tyson, and Kalin; six great-grandchildren, one nephew/best friend Howard, and a host of nieces, family members, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Otis Wade Lovelace, please visit our floral store.