Paul was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Port Arthur, Tx on July 5, 1962, he was the fifth of six children born to James Sandage Otey III and Mary Ellen LaFance. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Kayla Shea Otey, and his brother, “Jimmy” James Sandage Otey IV. Those left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Mary Helen Graham Otey, his daughter, Shelia Marie Otey of Nederland, Tx, his adored grandchildren, Hannah Faith Hunter and baby Luke David Keller, his brothers, Syd and Chris Otey of Nederland, Tx, his sisters, Regina Mullis of Lumberton, Tx, and Cindy Smith of Portland, Or, and numerous loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Paul graduated from Nederland High School in 1981 and met his wife, Mary, the same year. He began working for Standard Alloys during High School and was employed there for over a decade. Later in life, he went on to follow in his father’s profession and became a licensed Plumber. He started his own business, P & M Plumbing, and also worked for a few other plumbing companies over the years. He was widely recommended and very well respected in the community for the exceptional work he did as a plumber.
Those that knew Paul, knew his heart belonged to his dachshund packs, to dirt track racing, to NASCAR, and to his family. For over 3 decades, Paul and his wife, Mary, bred and raised miniature Dachshunds. Paul cared very much for their herds of little weenie dogs and the most notable of his furry companions over the years were Prissy, Fancy Nancy, Maggie May, and Luna. Paul was a devout Nascar fan throughout his years and was a collector of Dale Earnhardt Memorabilia. During his own racing career, Paul spent many years taking his dirt track car to Speedway 90, Silsbee Speedway, and Houston Battlegrounds to race alongside his brother Chris. He took prize in racing his Thunder Bomber classed Novas and Monte Carlos on the dirt tracks, and also participated in a few demolition derbys. He had many first place wins, was a points champion, and had perfect attendance awards during his seasons racing.
Paul treated his family like gold, always treasuring his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He loved his wife, Mary, so much that he married her twice. The loss of his youngest daughter, Kayla Shea, sent his life into a downward spiral and he was never able to physically or mentally recoup after her passing. He adored his granddaughter, Hannah, and loved to spoil her during his final years. The announcement of his grandson, Luke, overwhelmed him with pride and joy. Paul will be deeply missed for many years to come.
Although Paul was not able to attend regular services, his mother raised him as a member of St. Charles Catholic Church on Nederland Ave. The family would like to extend a special thanks to St. Charles and their members for the help they provided him with in his latter years, and their prayers that led him to his salvation.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grammier-oberle.com for the Otey family.
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