Otis Hunter

Otis Hunter’s Life Journey

Otis Hunter was born July 21, 1938 to Lawrence C. Hunter and Bessie B. Grant in Vernon, Oklahoma. At an early age, he went to live with his great grandparents, Alexander and Georgia Wright and his grandparents, John Grant and Christine Wright, to be raised and attend school. He accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and was baptized at an early age while attending New Hope Baptist Church in Vernon, Oklahoma. Around the age of 12, he moved to Phoenix, Arizona to live with his mom and stepfather, Bessie and Early Martin. There he attended Mary McLeod Bethune Junior High and Phoenix Union High School. He excelled as a student athlete in baseball, basketball, football and track.

Otis joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 1956. As a Marine, he received training in communications and leadership where he ultimately served as a Wire Chief. He toured within the United States, including the Marine Corps San Diego Depot, Camp Pendleton, Honolulu Hawaii and Alaska. He received numerous awards and recognition during his service and was honorably discharged in June 1960.

Otis returned to Phoenix to work at Sacks 5th Avenue as an Assistant Receiving Manager. There he gained an affinity for sharp suits and fancy shoes (Stacy Adams was a favorite). During this time, he married Ruth Stockton, and out of that union came his first-born son, Michael Hunter. Otis remarried in November, 1964 to Bonnie Ruth Fielder. Together they raised four children Lisa, Katrina, Glen and Jimmy. 

In 1965, Otis and Bonnie moved to Los Angeles, California for work and opportunity (and just in time for the Watt’s Riots)! He joined Lucky Supermarkets as a warehouseman and continued with them for over 30 years. Lucky’s was bought out by Albertson’s Supermarkets and he continued to work for Albertson’s until his retirement in 2001. While Otis worked over those years, he lived in West Covina, CA from 1966 – 1998 and Fontana, CA from 1998 - 2024. During this time, he was an active member of Valley Baptist Church in Rowland Heights, CA, as well as Puente Hills Baptist Church and Grace and Truth Baptist Church in Covina, CA. He served the Lord in various capacities as a Sunday school teacher, bus driver, choir member, AWANA leader, and Board of Trustee. From time to time he was requested to preach a message to his church family, and he had the gift to pray with God’s anointing and power. Otis enjoyed working on TVs and gadgets and took several electronic courses at Mt. San Antonio Community College in Walnut, CA. He was also known for his delicious barbeque ribs and brisket, and it took his children many years to obtain his secret barbeque sauce recipe. He coached several Junior All-American Football teams to championships and was often a lively spectator at his kids’ and grandkids’ sports events, dance recitals, choirs and plays. After retirement, he participated as a volunteer member of the Fontana Police Department where he delivered mail, did citizen patrols, and drove the historic police car in local parades and events.

Otis is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence C. Hunter and Bessie B. Martin, his wife, Bonnie Hunter, brother Eugene Martin, and son Michael Hunter. He is survived by his step father, Early Martin of Phoenix, AZ; sister, Andrea Connor (husband Chuck) of Los Angeles, CA; daughter Lisa Lievanos of Bloomington, CA; daughter Katrina Christian (husband Herald) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; son Glen Hunter (fiancé Kelly) of Lake Elsinore, CA and son Jimmy Hunter (wife Alexis) of Corona, CA; eleven grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones.

Otis was called home to be with the Lord on August 18, 2024.