Dr. Theodore Otey
April 13, 1958 – December 26, 2024
Theodore Timothy Otey, M.D., born on April 13, 1959, in Nashville, Tennessee, passed away on
December 26, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love. He was the
second son of the late William Houston Otey Jr. and Kathryn Chambers Otey and was raised
alongside his brothers, the late William Houston Otey III and the late Kenneth Emmanuel
Chambers Otey, as well as half-siblings Alan Ameche Otey and Angelia Otey. From his earliest
years, Ted’s life was defined by an unquenchable curiosity, a passion for learning, and a
steadfast commitment to caring for others.
Ted graduated from North High School in 1976, where he was a standout athlete, accomplished
musician, and gifted scholar. Renowned for his excellence on the football field, he also shone as
a swimmer and diver. Equally talented in music, Ted played guitar (his favorite), along with the
horn, harmonica, and piano. His pursuits showcased both his competitive nature and his artistic
soul.
Attending Kentucky State University on an athletic scholarship, Ted further distinguished himself
by graduating with honors, becoming a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He
pledged Omega Psi Phi with the Majestic Psi Psi Chapter. Ted was recruited by the Cincinnati
Bengals, but he faced a career-altering concussion during training camp and instead chose to
serve humanity through medicine. He enrolled in Meharry Medical College, where he graduated
at the top of his class in 1985. His residency in Internal Medicine at Hubbard Hospital
culminated in a term as Chief Resident, a role that highlighted his exceptional leadership and
clinical skill.
In 1990, Ted married Lisa Pearsall, M.D., and moved to Houston, Texas. Through this union,
Theodore Jr., Joshua Kyle, and Gabrielle Renee were born and raised. Exploring a career in
Emergency Medicine while expanding patient care beyond traditional settings, he pioneered the
concept of house calls for elderly patients and envisioned an early form of telemedicine—long
before it became commonplace. A true innovator, he taught himself DOS programming to create
prototypes for what would become modern electronic medical records. His dedication to
compassionate, convenient patient care was evident in every house call, every clinic visit, and
every emergency shift he worked.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ted was a devoted family man who never missed a
school production, sports event, holiday, or vacation with his children. He found peace and
inspiration outdoors, delighting in gardening, fishing, and sharing stories around a campfire.
Known for his quick wit and vibrant sense of humor, Ted could easily transform into a DJ or a
comedian at a moment’s notice. He loved music of all genres, encouraged everyone around him
with daily affirmations, and remained a cautious germaphobe with a warm heart.
In early 2024, Ted suffered a tragic accident that left him a quadriplegic. Despite his physical
limitations, he maintained his unbreakable spirit and continued to inspire those around him. His
soulmate and partner, Marcella, along with his nephew, Jordan Otey, provided around-the-clock
care that undoubtedly extended and enriched his life, exemplifying Ted’s ethos of compassion
and commitment.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, William Houston Otey Jr. and Kathryn Chambers
Otey, and by his brothers, William Houston Otey III and Kenneth Emmanuel Chambers Otey. He
is survived by his beloved partner, Marcella (“Lele”); his children—Theodore Timothy Jr., Joshua
Kyle, Gabrielle Renee, Carmen Allison, and Malachi Emmanuel—and his stepdaughter,
McKinzze Renee, who were the lights of his life. He is also survived by his half-siblings, Alan
Ameche Otey and Angelia Otey; his cousin, Angela; his nephew, Jordan Otey; as well as a host
of other cousins, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, close friends, and former colleagues,
including Lisa Pearsall Otey, M.D.; Janet Pelmore, M.D.; Bertha Ann Otey; Gina Graham; David
Tucker; Wayne Harvey Bowles, M.D.; John Fair; and the brothers of Omega Psi Phi.
Dr. Ted Otey’s life was a testament to faith, family, service, and innovation. Whether performing
life-saving work in the ER, developing new ways to bring medical care into people’s homes, or
sharing a funny story at the dinner table, Ted’s warmth and wisdom touched countless lives. His
legacy will live on in the many people he healed, taught, and inspired. He will be deeply missed
and forever loved.
To the family I extend my heartfelt condolences. I had the pleasure of playing football with him. At Kentucky State University in Frankfort,Ky.. He was my Wide Receiver.
A very astute and caring person. I pray his family be comforted and shown grace.
Vinson T. Mccarty, Sr.
Prayers and continued Blessings to Ted and his family. Ted was my teammate in Football at Kentucky State University. I remember convincing Ted to join me in taking a class in Kinesiology with the brilliant Dr. William Exum.
Please know that my prayers are with the Otey Family. I played football with Ted at Kentucky State University. I also share a brotherhood with him as a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. it goes without saying that he will be missed by his family and friends. Rest easy my friend, your work here is done.
Getting this news about Ted, and truly forgive, Dr. Ted Otey, hit me hard. So to the family I extend my condolences, my condolences, my condolences. I, we, had the GREAT pleasure of playing football with T.O. at Kentucky State University. REST DBL O SOUL…REST! My God…
Bill Donaldson
‘Sweet Lou’
Dr Ted Otey was one of a kind… His smile and his energetic humor made him so fun to be around.. His academic and athletic achievements could set him apart from most, but he was always just Ted… fun loving and generous to a fault… Brother Otey… get your rest and thank you for the memories
Our Condolences from the Family of Virgil Walker. The news of Dr. Ted Otey found me unprepared to receive it. He was a beautiful friend doing our time at Kentucky State University. I’m sure everyone that he touched will truly miss his loving soul. It’s not how long we’re here but what we do while we’re here. God bless the family of Ted and God bless everyone he affected in life.
A GOOD FRIEND OF MINES CALLED ME AND TOLD ME ABOUT THE PASSING OF DR. TED OTEY. I WAS SHOCKED AND VERY DEVASTED TO HEAR THIS NEWS, I MET TED MY FRESHMAN YEAR AT KSU THROGH MY ROOMATE WHOSE BROTHER WAS AN OMEGA. TED BECAME LIKE A BIG BROTHER TO US AND ACTED LIKE HE WAS OUR DAD, LOL, GREAT MEMORIES. I WILL ALWAYS CHERISH GREAT MEMORIES AND MY HEART AND SINCERE CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY, HIS FRIENDS, HIS FRATERNITY BROTHERS OF OMEGA PSI PHI. REST IN PEACE MY DEAR FRIEND, YOUR JOURNEY IS COMPLETE.
What Can I Say
I met Ted though a merging of fateful circumstances
My mentor was helping me work through many nuances
He ended up eating a meal at my dining table
Discussing many biblical topics and even some fables
The moral of the story is often lost in the details
Coattails lacking a solid meaningful title
Of trees choosing kings in the Bible
And the thistle interacting with cedar
Leading to success or failure
Doctor Ted met and interacted with my dearest friend
A sweet and tender soul dedicated to the end
No matter what the circumstances
She was there to lend support in many instances
He was fortunate to have had her in his life
The children, the challenges, the working through strife
When he could no longer independently fare
My ‘sister’ continued to give him due care
Diane A. Evering-Simms, MD, FRCOG, FACOG December 29, 2024
To the Family of Dr. Ted Otey You have Our Condolences on the passing of our Dear KSU BROTHER 4 LIFE . I had to pleasure on knowing Ted back in the College Days to a little Town in KY Called FRANKFORT. Rest Easy My Brother and We will Meet Again on the Other Side!!!
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾👍🏾💯👊🏾❤️😎
My deepest condolences to the Otey family, teammates from Kentucky State University and all those who knew and loved Ted. He had a kind heart and a sweet spirit. He will be truly missed. Rest well my Thorobred brother. 🕊️💚💛🕊️
Rest in PEACE our gentle friend, Ted Otey🐎🐎🐎
To the Family & Friends of Dr. Theodore “Ted” Otey, please accept our deepest condolences from his home Chapter & Line Brothers from The Majestic Psi Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Ted was the Number 1 of 10 members on the Spring ’79 Line to Cross Those Burning Sands at Kentucky State University. There was no question regarding his leadership while on line and after we became chapter members. He always inspired us to become better individuals, while on campus and in the local community. Ted was truly one of a kind. For he was the complete package: a high academic achiever; excelled on the football field at KSU; as an Omega Man, he was “The Man” on campus; and he had those the good looks which went well with his humor, for he was a joker! To his family and friends, rest assured Ted left an impression on all those who had the opportunity to meet him. My Sands, Now Rest in Peace Until We Meet Again.
Your Line Brother Nathan W. Carrington #3
Words of sympathy feel inadequate in expressing grief and sorrow for a loss so great. I had the the esteemed pleasure of knowing Ted as a Thorobred Football player, and a Fraternity Brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. Sending a warm embrace and all my love to his family during this sad time.”
Ed BoomBa Hayes #91
Forever in my heart, may your spirit soar even as you rest in peace!
Dr. Was a friend and Doctor to my family. He was a loving and gracious doctor to Irene Gonzalez Navarro, Margaret and Armando Torres and all in our family.
Our love and condolences to Dr. Otey’s family.
Anna Torres Wilson
Wow!! Words cannot express the feeling of sadness I am feeling after receiving word of the passing of Dr. Ted Otey. A friend and roommate during our at Kentucky State University-Frankfort, Ky. I’m remembering his laugh and the jokes he would tell. I was year and two months older then him that not being a number of years between our age difference it’s hard for me to think of a younger friend passing before The Lord called me home. I offer my sincere condolences to his family and his friends that loved him dearly. May God bless and keep you all in His Grace and Mercy.
Ted Otey…. Lifeguard at the Northwest YMCA in Nashville is where he entered my life. Actually his family owned the grocery store we shopped before I knew I came to know him as a Football player, track star at North High School. Although much older (3 years) we again crossed paths at Meharry Medical College. He was Chief Resident in IM when started clinical rotations. Found out he was a Brother of my Fraternity! We knew he was all on love back then. To hear this news makes me know time waits for no one. Ted’s school was a rival in high school yet Ted was always a Friend and mentor to me. I chose IM in part because of his passion. Prayers for the remaining family and may God welcome this precious soul home.
Teddy, I found out we went to elementary together at Ford Greene. We ended up as Mighty Yankees from the class of 1976 at North High School. We marched in the band together as well as teammates on the football team. I remember the last conversation we had some years ago when I was a phlebotomist, Teddy said, “People still mess with him about dropping the pass I threw to him that would have beat our arch rival Pearl High on their home field, in front of legendary TSU football coach John Merritt.”
My heartfelt prayers to the family and may God comfort you! Rest in heaven my brother! Peace
I was shocked and saddened to learn about the death of Ted.
I had an opportunity to play football with him at KSU during his freshman year. He was very gifted and possessed a warm caring spirit towards humanity.
My deepest condolences to his family, you are in my prayers.
Peace and blessings
Alvin Sims
Dr Ted Otey was a very special friend. We played football together at Kentucky State University; an outstanding scholar/athlete that was a friend to all. His smile & charisma were always on display. He was destined to be a great man. He will be missed by many. God may have needed another Angel. Ted’s the perfect fit! My sincerest condolences to the family. RIP Dr Otey!
Great person to be around always smiling we were in high school together and he never met anyone he didn’t like
To the family of Dr. Theodore Otey “Ted Otey”. Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to you from the Spring 80 line of the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority- KSU. Ted was a very kind and intelligent young man. He was instrumental in making sure me and my Sands were okay during our pledge process. I will always remember sharing first place with Ted in the KSU baseball team’s Splash Contest. We are sad that you are gone but we will forever remember how you made an impact on our lives. Rest well and continue to make the biggest splash ever in heaven. Always a friend and a member of the Ace Club. #1 TTTT
The Nu Phi Houston Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,Inc and the Omega Houston Coalition sends our prayers & supports to Brother Doctor Otey and his family. We understand he is the 3rd of his line to enter Omega Chapter and we pledge to continue to support all his loved ones when in need . 🔱
Brian Ransom
Our prayers and condolences to the family from me, Rodney Pope and the North High School Football family.
Condolences to our dear cousin “Teddy”. Remembering the times we shared growing up. The birthday parties at the hotel, the picnics at Hadley Park , the sleepovers over aunt Kathrine’s house and the spooky nights at summer camps. We will miss your electric smile and unwavering humor. Love from your 1st cousins Sherry Otey-Stokes and Monique Otey-Patton.
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE OTEY FAMILY
I PRAY THAT
HIS SOUL TRAVELS SAFE AND IN PEACE TO BE WITH OUR ANCESTORS
TEDDY REST IN POWER
Thank you Bro!!! You were always kind & inspiring to me! GOD memories!👌🏿🤲🏿🤲🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿💪🏿💯
I’m Still In Total Shock. Dear God, Please Bless Ted’s Family, And Forever Bless His Soul. Thorobred Love Forever-ever!