Ottis B. Lavender Jr.

Ottis Benton Lavender Jr. passed peacefully in a local hospital on Friday May 6, 2016 after a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 11 am Tuesday May 10, 2016 at Wesley United Methodist Church 4256 Hartley Bridge Road, Macon, GA 31216 with burial in New Elim Baptist Church Cemetery 4368 Hartley Bridge Road, Macon, GA 31216. Reverend Billy Kimbrel will officiate.   The family and friends will greet friends from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Monday May 9, 2016 at Wesley United Methodist Church.   Mr. Lavender was born March 5, 1925 in Gordon, Ga. He grew up on the farm in Wilkinson County GA. He served as a PFC in the U.S. Army-infantry WWII Pacific Theater-Luzon, Philippines-awarded Purple Heart.  Transferred to U.S. Army Airforces and served as a Corporal until Feb 1947.    In his younger years he loved to ride motorcycles and was a member of the Macon Motorcycle Club. He was a beloved husband and father. A self-employed Master Mechanic who owned and operated his own auto repair shop Ottis’ Auto & Truck Clinic from 1961-1988. He was an avid hunter and loved target shooting He was a member of the Macon Rifle & Pistol Club, Ft. Valley Gun Club, and a Life member of the National Rifle Association and one of 12 founders of Windsor Academy in Macon, GA. He was a Deacon and held many positions at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and long-time member of Wesley United Methodist Church. Survivors include daughter, Rhea Lavender Ward (Russ) of Macon; brother George Clay Lavender (Joyce) of Jeffersonville; brother-in-law William E. Willingham Sr. (Bernice) of Macon; and many nieces and nephews.    He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Anne Lavender, daughter Debora Lynn Lavender, brother, Alva G. Lavender, sister Shirley Lavender Sykes, and sister-in-law Naomi W. Blackwell.  In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory to Wesley UMC, 4256 Hartley Bridge Rd, Macon, GA. or Christian Motorcyclists Assoc.-Run for the Son P.O. Box 9 Hatfield, Ark  71945.  Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.