Otis Hunter Long

LONG, Otis Hunter, 92, of St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on July 26, 2015 surrounded by his family. Born and raised in Troy, South Carolina, he graduated from Greenwood High School and moved to St. Petersburg in 1939. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mattie Lee (Dicks) Long. He died on what would have been their 73rd wedding anniversary, a beautiful ending to their romantic love story. Otis is survivied by his three children; Otis Jr and wife Grace, of Dunnellon, Fl; Joyce Ann Bragg and husband Emory, of Land O Lakes, Fl; and Donna Jean Nicolosi and husband Michael of St. Petersburg. Otis is survived by his brother, Rally Long and his wife Margaret of St. Petersburg and his sister, Margaret (Boots) Chamberlain of Troy, South Carolina. Otis also leaves behind nine grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Upon moving to St. Petersburg, Otis started his professional career at First National Bank. He served in the United States Army for three years during WWII in North Africa and Italy as part of Fifth US Army. After the war, he returned to First National Bank until he and a dedicated group of committed individuals started City Bank and Trust Company in 1959. Otis guided City Bank through many years of growth. He was instrumental in the smooth transition of the bank as it merged and became part of Sun Bank of Florida. He became President of Sun Bank of St. Petersburg in 1971, was awarded Banker of the Year in 1977, and retired in 1988. Through many years, Otis actively served his community in the following ways: a charter and board member of the Exchange Club of West St. Petersburg; a charter member of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce "Traveling Saints;" a member of the board and vice president of Family and Children's Services; an active member of the Florida Bankers Association; an active volunteer with United Way; a Board member of the Salvation Army; a member of the St. Petersburg Suncoasters, where he loved hosting out ot state bands for the annual Festival of States celebration; and numerous other community activities. Otis loved golfing with friends during his active membership at both the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and the Sunset Golf and Country Club. He served his country for many years as an active US Army Reservist and retired in 1983 as a Major. His most cherished community involvement was as an active member of his church, First Baptist Church of St. Petersburg. He worked tirelessly for his church for many years as Trustee, Treasurer, Chairman of the Finance and Building committees, and in many other ways known only to him and his Lord. Otis selflessly and generously loved his family in many different ways. He will be missed by his family and all who knew him, but we can and do rejoice in the knowledge that we will all see him again with our Lord in Heaven. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at First Baptist Church at 11:00a.m. Visitation will be at 10:00a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to go towards the Building Fund of First Baptist Church, St. Petersburg.