Otis Joseph Spell Jr.

Otis Joseph Spell Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, in Covington, Louisiana. Born on October 19, 1948, in Bogalusa, Louisiana and then resided most of his life in Covington, Louisiana. His legacy of hard work, creativity, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him.

Otis was a proud graduate of Covington High School's class of 1966, and he loved sharing stories of his glory days as a Covington Lions football player. Following high school, he earned a drafting degree from Sullivan Vocational Technical Institute in 1969. His career spanned many years and fields, starting as a draftsman for Curtis and Davis Architects and Planners from 1970 to 1975. He then moved on to Equitable Shipyards, Inc. as a Mould Loftsman from 1975 to 1983. Throughout his career, he was highly regarded for his talent as a skilled draftsman. In 1983, Otis opened a plant nursery business, skillfully balancing his green thumb with drafting private homes, a venture he continued until his passing.

Otis attended First Baptist Church of Covington, where he found peace and joy. A passionate baseball card collector, skilled woodworker, and master gardener, he approached each hobby with the same diligence he applied to his career. His interest in collecting and restoring antique tools not only highlighted his love for craftsmanship but also served as another avenue through which he applied his creativity.

Otis loved his family. He is survived by his loving spouse, Melanie Lane Spell, and their three children: Kerri Spell Frederick (Eddie), Kimberly Spell Collins (Chris), and Otis Kendall Spell (Jeanne). He took great pride in being a grandfather to his cherished grandchildren: Mackenzie Spell, Caroline Frederick, Hunter Spell, Greyson Frederick, Carter Collins, and Reese Collins. He loved sharing stories about them with tales of their accomplishments and adventures. He also leaves behind his brother Sterling Wendell Spell (sister-in-law Chris), sister-in-law Elizabeth Spell, nieces and nephews.

Otis was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Joseph Spell Sr. and Donis Mae Thompson Spell, along with brothers Jady Dwight Spell, Donnie Ray Spell, Jeffery Lynn Spell, and Noel Timothy Spell.

As we remember Otis Joseph Spell Jr., let us celebrate a man who will always be remembered by those who loved him as a creative, talented, and hardworking man who loved his garden and plants as much as he loved designing and building things, especially bird houses. His memory will continue to live on through the loving memories of his children, grandchildren, family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.