" I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die."

- John 11:25-26

On January 4, 2020, Otto Kearise, Jr. departed this life with his eye on the sparrow at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Otto Kearise, Jr. was born in Hampton County, South Carolina on September 20, 1931. He was the loving son of the late Otto Kearise, Sr. and the late Jennie W. Epps. Otto was not blessed with siblings; therefore, he embraced the Padgett/Green family as his own biological loving family.

Otto accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age at Fountain Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. He was also an active member of St. James Episcopal Church in Baltimore, MD. He served faithfully as a member and in the Brotherhood auxiliary.

Otto and his family moved to Jamestown, SC in 1992. Then, he became an active member of Prince George Episcopal Church. He was a faithful member and served as an usher until his health declined.

Otto was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System. He was also an Army veteran and served in the Korean War with dignity. Otto received the following medals in which he was very proud of: Good Conduct, United Nations Service, National Defense Service, Korean Service and Military Service Medallion.

He retired as a machine operator from Domino Sugar Refinery after 33 years. He also worked at Bilo in Mt. Pleasant for several years.

On November 21, 1959, he was united in Holy Matrimony to his loving bride, Shirley Padgett. From this union, three beautiful children were born: Michael, Graylan and Cathy.

Otto enjoyed outdoor activities such as, taking care of his lawn and planting flowers with his green thumb.  He enjoyed driving, laughing, talking and visiting people. He also enjoyed car shopping and buying cars. He also had a clock fetish. Otto's favorite scripture was the 23rd Psalm.

Otto was preceded in death by his parents, Otto Kearise, Sr. and and Jennie W. Epps, and a sister who died in childbirth.

Otto leaves to cherish his memories to: his loving wife, Shirley Padgett Kearise; three beautiful children, Michael Kearise, Graylan Kearise and Cathy Kearise; three loving granddaughters, LaTasha Kearise of Baltimore, MD, LaToya Kearise of Summerville, SC and Candace Kearise of Baltimore, MD; one great-grandson, Brian Cradic of Summerville, SC; one sister-in-law, Vivian P. Nole; two brothers-in-law, Jerome Padgett (Marva) and Clifford Padgett (Gertrude) both of Jamestown, SC; three beautiful goddaughters, Kearise Oliver of Baltimore, MD, Nicole Padgett of Jamestown, SC and Alexis Greene of Columbia, SC; a godson, Ezekiel Padgett of Jamestown, SC; an aunt-in-law, Daisy Green; uncle-in-law, Logan Green (Delores); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and the best Lutheran Hospice Staff.