2023 24 Black Pages FINAL 2 - Flipbook - Page 92
Memorial Tribute to...
Otis Redding III
December 17, 1963 - April 18, 2023
On the eve of Tuesday, April 18th, 2023 Otis Redding III, born December 17, 1963
transitioned to the celestial arena. As an adolescent, he attended Mount De Sales
Academy in Macon. He eventually moved to Silver Spring, Maryland to pursue
his music career with his brother, Dexter Redding and friend, Mark Lockett and
graduated from St. John’s Military College and High School. The three men
formed the group, “The Reddings”, and gained a plethora of accolades for their
hit songs and performances. He inherited a rich musical legacy from his father,
the legendary Otis Redding Jr. At a young age, Otis Redding III began playing
guitar and singing at a young age and formed the funk band, “The Reddings”, in
the early 1980s with his brother, Dexter and Mark Lockett. The Reddings achieved
chart success with their unique sound and toured extensively throughout the
United States and Europe. Otis III continued his musical career as a solo artist,
exploring both R&B and blues in his many recordings, including the 2017 track
“Dance, Dance, Dance” and sharing his talent with the world as he traveled and
performed internationally. In addition to his prolific career as a musical artist, Otis
Redding III had a passion for supporting his community. Lovingly called O3 by his
family, he took up the philanthropic mission of his father and mother. One of the
many ways he supported the Middle Georgia region was in his role as the Board
Chair for Meals on Wheels in Macon. He had a heart for the elderly and took up the
charge to defeat food insecurity. He also mentored young musicians through the
Mentor’s Project and the Otis Redding Foundation’s various camps and programs.
For many years, Otis Redding III served on the Board of Directors for the Macon
Transit Authority and as a Trustee for The Historic Macon Foundation. He was also
a member of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, also in Macon, where he was actively
involved in events and services. Otis Redding III will be fondly remembered as a
multi-talented musician and a kind-hearted man who handled his family legacy
with style and grace.
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