Rev. Dr. Otis Bishop Head, Jr

Passed 11/19/2020

Obituary For Rev. Dr. Otis Bishop Head, Jr

In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Rev. Dr. Otis Bishop Head, Jr. Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 28, 2020 1:00 pm at Grissom- Clark Eastlake Chapel. Viewing will be held Friday, November 27, 2020 12noon-6pm. Grissom-Clark Funeral Home. 404-373-3191 Rev. Dr. Otis Bishop Head, Jr., after sixty eight years of giving us joy and happiness, accepted his angels’ invitation to join our Lord in Paradise on Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020. Our hearts are aching but we know that Heaven is filled with an extra dose of LOVE from a Great Man of God.

Otis, affectionately called “Shag” by family was born on February 12, 1952 in Griffin, Ga. as the second child to the late Otis Bishop Head, Sr. and the late Bertha Nixon Head. Otis was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Travis Leland Head, 1st wife Janell Swinney Head and wife, Sarah Sparks Head.

Otis received his early education in the Griffin Spalding County Public School System. He was a 1970 graduate of Fairmont High School and was active in many organizations. After high school Otis attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn. In 1974 he received a BA degree in Political Science. His 4 years at Fisk also earned him membership into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, Fisk athletic Association and numerous lifetime friends, experiences and memories.

Otis’ Christian beliefs were instilled by his parents. His strong Faith led his desire to further his Christian Education. He received a PhD in Christian Counseling at The Restoration Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity at The Interdenominational Theological Center(ITC) in Atlanta. His spiritual journey always connected him to a church home. He was a member of Hoosier Memorial United Methodist Church and The New Birth Missionary Church. Upon returning to Atlanta in 2020 Otis joined The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church.

Otis’ work career included jobs with the State of Georgia Juvenile Justice System, Fulton County Correction System , and Tuskegee University National Center for Bioethics. He was involved in numerous community outreach programs and received many awards for his outreach ministries in Tuskegee, Ala. and Macon County.

Otis married the late Janell Swinney in 1977. To this union they were blessed with the birth of a daughter, the apple of Otis’ eye, Jerika Head and a Proud son, Jotis Head. On May 13, 2000, Otis married the late Sarah Ann Sparks . Otis & Sarah enjoyed 18 years of blissful love in Tuskegee, Alabama, where they relocated and actively worked in a community, cherishing the people, history and small town atmosphere.

Otis will be forever remembered as a kind, humble, caring and unselfish servant of God who impacted those that he encountered. His legacy will be everlasting in the hearts of his daughter, Jerika Head, son Jotis Head, grandkids, Jaliyah, Janell, Jotis Jr and Jahlil. Sisters, Wanda Head Young(Ulysses), Paula Head Beal(Christopher) sister in law, Angela H. Head, uncle, Phillip Head (Griffin, Ga) several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other family, line brothers, colleagues and friends.

Otis’ advice, guidance and encouraging words to us often ended with “ Trust God, and know that you have done the BEST that you can AS FAR AS THATS CONCERNED.”



Guest Book

God will see you through and I pray comfort you with peace that passes all understanding. Thanking God for the many years and memories that we share from Griffin, Ga on Chappell street. Peace be with you and the family. Rosalyn Wood Payne-Hill, Griffin, Ga.

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Deacon Head was a wonderful man and he will always be remembered in our family and in our hearts. We love you Mama G, Kim, and the Norman Family.

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Our deepest sympathy to the family. You will eventually find comfort in knowing he is in a much better place. We pray that the sorrow you feel in your hearts today and the days ahead are lighten by the love that surrounds you and that Dr. Head is free! We will continue to pray for peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart Deacon Ronald & Brenda Walker

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Dr. Otis(Shag) Your life was one of kindly deeds, a helping hands for other needs. The happy hours we once enjoyed at Fairmont High School will always be remembered along with your bright smile. Especially in our biology class when you threw that frog out the window. Our group could not finish dissecting the frog...And GOD shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain: for the former things are passed away. REV 21:4 REST PEACEFULLY. Odessa P Jones

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My deepest condolences to the family of the Rev. Dr. Otis B. Head. It is a sincere loss to us all. FISKite, Omega Brother and Friend. You'll be truly missed. Blessings and warm regards, Elder James A. "Jaybee" Brame, Jr '75

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To the Head family, my deepest condolences for the death of my fraternity brother, Fiskite & friend!! Otis was the "Godfather " for the Magnificent Marchin 7 Qmega line of 1972 & to this day I am still grateful for the leadership he showed us then and me over the years as also a fellow pastor! God bless the soul of Medulla Oblongatus ! Love you always Frat! Tank Fisk '75

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My condolences to the family of Dr Otis Head. Rest in Power classmate- Hon. Jerald S Carter Class 1974

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Sorry for your loss, Rev. Head will be miss by the prayer ministry. DeaconJuan and Deaconess Letheia Smith

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Paula and Wanda my prayers to God are for you and the rest of the family to depend on God for strength and comfort during this day and those to come. The love you have for each other and those who also love you will be a forever source of courage and peace. With much love. Pearl

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We, those who attended Fisk University during the early 1970's, were blessed with the presence of a man truly of God! I received even a closer walk with this God-fearing gentleman. He made the commitment to pledge Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Eta Psi Chapter. Often, men who have not considered the life-long pledge to help humanity, will attempt to pledge. They fail. Otis proudly and graciously represented Fisk and . He is with the Father. May his family find solace in that supreme knowledge. May God continue to bless this family! Willo Wortham, 5 Eta Psi 70, Fisk University

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Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jerika and Jotis. Rest well Uncle Shag. Edgar & LaShung Allen

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Rest in the Lord and know that God is able to comfort and strengthen you. Charles and Bernstine Hollis, The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church.

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My condolences are extended to family and loved ones. Patricia Paul Pickett

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Our prayers and condolences to the family. A message just to say that many warm and heartfelt thoughts are there with you today. We are deeply sadden by your loss. May you find strength and comfort to help you through this time of sorrow. Annie Milner-Classmate of Wanda Head Young but grew up with the whole family. May God bless you and keep you.

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Dear Soror Wanda and family, we again send our sympathies, and know that you believe like we do, that if we continue to do good and be good, that the Almighty will bless us and we will see all our loved ones, again. Soror Rosalyn

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Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jerika and family. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning, not sure what morning it will come, but keep the faith, and trust in God. He will make it alright! We are here for the family. Love and peace, Tribe of Issachar of the Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church, Dr. William E Flippin, Pastor.

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May God bless and keep you, the family, as you say "see you later" to your love one!! Deacon Ed and Lois Morgan...The Greater Piney Grove Baptist Church!!

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Sincere condolences to the family. Robert and Kathy Poole, Wilmington, NC

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I'm so grateful to have been given the opportunity to know such a great person. Shag was like a Big Brother to me during my college days. May God comfort this wonderful family, and now is your time to rest Shag. Sending condolences, peace and love to the family. Janice Jennings

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May prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Shag. God is good. Trust, believe and keep the faith because he KNOWS. Love all of you. The Felder Family.

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Loved and remembered. Physically departed, but never forgotten. Cousin, although we were separated by distance, you demonstrated your love for family and God in the way you lived your life. You have been a pillar of grace and love for me and our family throughout the years. May you rest In eternal peace in God's name. Amen. Marisa, Ian and the Nixon family.

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Previous message ("Rev. Shag") From Detoncia Lyons-Wilkinson

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Rest Well "Rev.Shag" My Condolences to Your Son, Daughter & Family. May You have Comfort in ALL LOVE from his Loving Spirit which lives in YOU ALL

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Rest in peace Rev. Dr. Otis Head, Jr., just know we love you & you will truly be missed. To your beautiful children Jerika, Jotis & grands stay strong. Our thoughts and prays are with you all. With Love, Uncle Mike, Auntie Deborah and cousin DeAndre' Bray

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Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Castell & Mona Jackson

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I will never forget the wonderful times we all had in college. You certainly enhanced my life and the life of so many others. Rest in a well deserved peace. Craig S. Smith, M.D.

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Mr. Head was the Deputy Warden at Bellwood - Fulton County Corrections. I remember those 4:00 conversations we had everyday. You, Ms.G and I would laugh nonstop. We shared old college stories and childhood memories, we each had experienced. We will never forget those fun times. You were not only a Leader but, a friend. Thanks for the memories that still make us laugh out loud when we think of you. Fowler-Perry and Roz

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I am so grateful for meeting "Big O" our freshman year at Fisk U. Always a gentleman, he was destined for greatness. To God be the glory for the lives he touched. May God's peace and comfort carry his children, sister, Wanda; and all who will miss him dearly. Fisk sons and daughters ever on the alter! Cynthia Buford Calhoun AKA, Fine Pi Chapter

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Mr. Head you will certainly be missed, But your memories of you will last forever. Kenneth Harrison (And old Fulton county employee)

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Otis ( Otis (SHAG) as we called him, was the President of the class of 1970 the last class at Fairmont High and a friend. You will truly be missed. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. Ora Garland Goodman

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Dr. Head you will certainly be missed but memories of you are lasting. Your voice was so strong when I spoke with you recently. Thank you for all you've done and meant to me and my family. Rest well sir! May God's peace and love comfort your family. I know Sarah is happy to see you.

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May you find comfort knowing your loved one is resting in the arms of Jesus. Otis was my first roommate his freshman year. I'm from Nashville and didn't move to campus until sophomore year and pledged Omega grad chapter the summer of '83 after joining the Prince Hall Masons and Shriners. Cooper-Coleman-Love-Just Grafton O. Whitlow - Fisk '73

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May God comfort your family in their loss. May you rest in peace my Brother in Omega.... JAMES QUASH 2-Eta Psi-72

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May Our Omega Psi Phi Brother & Fiskite Dr. Otis Head Jr -11-H-71-Rest in Eternal Peace!!!

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Grissom-Clark Funeral Home | Atlanta, GA