Joseph Reed "J. R." Ott

February 14, 1940 - February 8, 2012

Mr. Joseph Reed "J.R." Ott, age 71 of 4th Street in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee passed on February 8, 2012 peacefully at his residence.

The family will hold a Life Celebration Memorial Service for him on Tuesday, February 14, 2012 from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM at 707 4th Street in Lawrenceburg. This would have been his 72nd birthday and the family invites you to join with them as they celebrate his life and glean healing from a time of sharing precious memories. In keeping with his wishes, they will return his remains to Texas for final rest in the spring. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

J.R. was born in Chicago, Illinois and was the son of the late Joseph Temple and Grace Reed Ott. He was a 1964 graduate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville where he earned his B.S. in education. For thirty one years he enjoyed a career in sales and marketing and returned to teaching in 1997 in the state of Texas, and then retired in 2007. Following his move to Tennessee in 2010, he began substituting in Lawrenceburg at the E.O. Coffman Middle School and continued through 2012. He was a member of the Texas State Guard while living in Texas. Though raised in the Episcopalian Church, J.R. most recently shared his faith through his attendance at the New Prospect Baptist Church in Lawrenceburg. His sweet spirit and kindness will greatly be missed.

In addition to his wife, Barbara E. Ott, he left to cherish his memory two sons: Christopher (Margaret) Ott of Austin, TX and William (Robin) Ott of Goodlettsville, TN; a brother: Dick Ott of Knoxville, TN; and three grand-daughters: Catherine, Deborah, and Jennifer.

Memorials in his honor may be made to the SanGabriel Masonic Lodge #89, 900 North College St. Georgetown,TX 78626 or the Grove City Masonic Lodge #689, 3558 Park Street, Grove City, OH 43123.

Condolences may be sent to the family at the top of this page.