Otis Lee Sanders was an original. He was born November 2, 1949 in Cordele (Crisp County) Georgia. He moved to Coconut Grove Florida in 1958, and attended George Washington Carver through 9th grade. Otis was one of the first Africa American students to attend Coral Gable High School where he was a starter on the 1967 State and National championship team. Many years later, in 2013, his team was recognized as the “Team of the Century” for being the best team in the first 100 years of high school football in the state of Florida. He graduated in 1968 and enrolled in the University of Minnesota in 1969 where he earned a BA degree in Sociology in 1972. On July 21, 2017, Otis was inducted into the Hall of Fame Coconut Grove Sports, Miami, Florida.
Trust became a notable aspect of Otis’ character, and as he turned his attention from college to career he was hired by St. Paul Insurance Company. This is where he started his career in commercial insurance. He worked as an underwriter for St Paul in Nashville, TN until 1987. Later he transferred to Atlanta and worked with American International Group from 1987 to 1996. Otis’ career continued to expand. He became underwriter of ACE Group in North Atlanta, and soon thereafter was promoted to Office Manager in Glendale, CA. After four years he returned to ACE in Alpharetta, GA, as Senior Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer where he remained until retiring in 2009.
Intelligent, ambitious, and hardworking were undeniable qualities that Otis possessed. In 2003, he achieved his Charter Property and Casualty of Underwriters (CPCU) designation. In 1988, Otis was co-founder of the Atlanta Association of Insurance Professionals. Each achievement brought greater rewards for him and his family. Together, Otis and his wife Eula focused on the Divine Presence, the Love and Power within each of them, to grow into greater prosperity.
Soulful is a word that truly sums Otis up. He was open-hearted and generous. His hobbies and interests were golf, traveling, music, volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Inc. and spending quality time with his family and friends. He served as an usher for many years at the Spiritual Living Center of Atlanta where he was a member. Whether working or playing, he lived from his heart and soul.
He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving wife, Eula M. Sanders of Roswell, GA, one son, Otis L. Sanders (Melani), and three grandsons, Jaylen, Justin and Jordan, all of West Palm Beach, FL. Also, his father, Arthur L. Chatman of Melbourne, FL, four sisters, Bobbie J. Chatman of Melbourne, FL, Mary Bryant, Willie P. Bryant and Neena Sanders of Miami, FL; in addition, two brothers, LeNorris Bryant of Miami, FL, and Willie J. Chatman of Fayetteville, North Carolina; also several nieces, nephews, and other relatives, including devoted sister-in-law Ruby Johnson. In addition, best friends Al Williams of Miami FL and George Miller of Alpharetta, GA. He was preceded in death by his loving mother, Corine Bryant; brothers Harry Sanders of Miami, FL, and Willie A. Sanders of Miami, FL.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Roswell Funeral Home followed by a Reception, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, Georgia 30076.
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