Otis was born April 14, 1934 to Ernest and Jane Burkett in Chillicothe, Texas. He served in the Army. He earned his Bachelor Degree from New Mexico A&M. Otis worked for and retired from the Army Corps of Engineers.
He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Allen Burkett.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Lee Burkett; and his sons, Otis Ray Burkett Jr. and Anthony Burkett.