Malcolm "Mac" Dean Otis

LtC Malcolm “Mac” Dean Otis, USA, (ret.), 80, passed away on August 3, 2021 in his home in Madison, Alabama.

Mac was born in Petosky, Michigan to Kenneth and Adeline Otis on February 8, 1941.  He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1959.

Mac knew from an early age that he was going to West Point, and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York in 1963.  He earned a Master’s Degree from Michigan State University in Anthropology.  

He served in the United States Army for 22 years, including two tours in Viet Nam, where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.   After retiring from the military, he worked in the computer science industry at Madison Books and Computers, and Intergraph.   He loved the Lord and served in many capacities for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Every calling he received, he served faithfully and thoroughly enjoyed helping people.  He served as a domestic violence victims advocate and for many years rode with Huntsville police officers to help those in need.   He volunteered with the American Red Cross assisting after natural disasters.    He loved birdwatching, photography, programming, HAM radio, reading, woodworking, music (played the French Horn, piano and violin), telling puns, and spending time with his family.   His favorite thing about having his daughters visit was hearing their laughter.   He would often ask, “How are you doing?” and then LISTEN. 

Mac is survived by his eternal companion Elizabeth “Bette” Otis, his daughters Julie (Jeff) Paterson and Sara (Brent) Hodgkinson, and his two sisters Julie Lee (John) Mayer and Beth (Darryl) Yerrick, and grandchildren Kenneth, Jessica and Cynthia Paterson, and James and Mei Light.

Funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1804 Sparkman Dr. NW in Huntsville, Saturday Aug. 7th at 1pm with Bishop Miller officiating.   Spry Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements.

Memorial donations may be made to Crisis Services of North Alabama in lieu of flowers.

Mac, Dad, Charlie – we will miss you.

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