The Life Story of Otis P. Smith

Otis P. Smith was born on Friday, August 30, 1935, in Sardis, Mississippi, to Elvera Harris and Fred Smith. Rambunctious, curious, and protective from the start, he grew into the kind of boy who kept everyone laughing, guessing, or shaking their heads—sometimes all at once. His world brightened three years later when his sister Eva arrived. The two became inseparable; he carried her to school on his back, guarded her from overly eager boys, and remained her lifelong protector and closest friend. The early loss of their father only strengthened their bond and deepened Otis' sense of duty.

In 1945, Elvera moved her children to Chicago during the Great Migration, seeking opportunity and family support. At the age of ten, Otis proudly took his first job delivering newspapers with his cousins, eager to help his mother. As a teen, he worked for his uncle Ted Ellis, owner of an ice delivery business. Ted became the steady father figure Otis needed, teaching him discipline, work ethic, and the fundamentals of business—lessons that shaped the man he became.

Life on Chicago's southside was tough, and Otis often found himself fighting—mostly because he was good at it. A teacher introduced him to a boxing trainer, and with Elvera's blessing, he found a sport he loved. Boxing carried him through Fenger High School, where he graduated in 1953, and followed him into the U.S. Army. He boxed professionally, fought overseas, and discovered his true calling: automotive mechanics. Graduating at the top of his class, he was promoted to full mechanic.

As an army soldier, he became a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division specializing in parachute assault operations in hostile areas. His military commendations include a Good Conduct Medal, the Parachutist Badge and the Rifle Marksman Badge. Once his enlistment period was fulfilled, he was honorably discharged.

After returning home in the 1960s, Otis became the first Black armored car driver for Brinks—a milestone he carried with pride. Still drawn to the garage, he used money lent by Eva to open his first shop behind his home. He later managed mechanics for Standard Oil and built SureFire Automotive in Chicago before moving the business to South Haven, Michigan, where he worked until retiring in 2003.

Otis loved God deeply and sought the Lord's guidance in every chapter of his life. His faith was the anchor that steadied him, strengthened him, and ultimately called him into ministry. In 2003, he answered that call and relocated to Lake Wales, Florida, where he was ordained at Mt. Zion Baptist Church by  Reverend Kincaid. He was fully committed to serving God with humility and devotion.

In 2014, he married Marion Kirkland, whom he lovingly called "Sweetness." Otis often said that marrying Marion was one of the greatest blessings of his life. Let it be known that Marion added many years to Otis' life through her unwavering love, care, and support.

Once the "keenagers" moved to Palm Coast, they sought adventure and connection. With time on his hands and compassion in his heart, Rev. Smith became a member of the Palm Coast COPS (Citizens on Patrol) organization. While serving with COPS, he befriended many officers but he established a brotherly bond with Deacon Sylvester Kirk and Chief Brown. Together, the couple became actively engaged with Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast. Rev. Smith  proudly exhibited adoration for God through unrestricted praise and intentional worship.  He often shared great wisdom rooted in spiritual insight.  The church family reflects fondly of Rev. Smith's heartfelt messages as a part of the annual "Seven Last Sayings of Christ" on Good Friday.  His Christian brothers and sisters looked forward to hearing his richly toned greeting filled with reverence and gratitude during the Monday Morning with the Master prayer calls. Positivity, blessed assurance and spiritual resolve were the tenets of Rev. Smith's life.

Loving memories of this champion of faith are cherished by his "bride", Marion; his son Paul Shaun (Chelsea) Smith; grandson, Caleb Smith; granddaughter, Shelby Smith; his bonus son, Albert (Kim) Kirkland; grandsons, Adrian Kirkland and Adonis Kirkland; his beloved sister Eva (Sam) Chatman; nephew, Michael Morris; brothers in law, Rev. Eugene (Evelyn) Mosley and Arthur (Patricia) Mosley; sister in law, Verdell Wells; goddaughters, Nyla Reese and Aaliah Reese and a host of friends and co-laborers in ministry.

Otis was the nucleus of the family—respected, admired, and deeply loved. His legacy lives on in every life he touched.