Otis Ray Dorton, 82, passed away Wednesday, February 20, 2019 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. His strength and grace were an inspiration to all who knew him. He was especially known for his storytelling style and his dry sense of humor. Everyone who met him loved him! Otis was from Appalachia, Virginia. He was the son of the late Claude and Maxie Flanary Dorton. He moved to Kingsport in 1951. He retired from Kern's Bakery. He was also a proud veteran of the U. S. Army.
He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Kevin Ray Dorton, on November 8, 2018, and the love of his life, Linda Joyce Dorton, on December 18, 2018. His siblings, James, Kent, Marie (Godsey), Wanda (Carter) and Billy Dorton also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his children, Mark (Kristy) Dorton, Lisa (David) Castle, Marla (Buddy, Jr.) Morrison, and a very special daughter-in-law, Valerie Calaway Dorton; his grandsons, Scott (Kristi) Dorton, Greg (Ashley) Dorton, Philip (Elizabeth) Dorton, Brandon (Brittany) Morrison, Chris (Brittny Ohnemus) Morrison,
Aaron (Nadine) Morrison, Hagen (Emily) Castle, Grant (Briley) Castle and Coby Castle; great-grandchildren, Peyton Dorton, Paisley Dorton, Abigail Burbage, Morgan Dorton, Layla Kate Dorton (due in July), Liam Morrison and Evie Morrison; one brother, Benny Dorton; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family will be received at East Lawn Funeral Home on Saturday, February 23 from 12:00-2:00pm. Funeral services will follow at 2:00pm with Pastors Joe Hill and Harold Shoemaker officiating. Military graveside services provided by American Legion Posts 3/265 will follow. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
The family would like to offer our sincere appreciation for all the love and support we have received during these last few months. We also want to thank Carol Hicks, Martha Booher, Camellia Mustaklem, Dr. Chris Neglia and the wonderful staff at Suncrest Hospice for your love and care through Dad's final days. He loved each and every one of you.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Otis’ honor to Second Harvest Food Bank, 1020 Jerico Drive, Kingsport, TN 37663.
Online condolences may be made to the Dorton family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Dorton family.
