Otis W. Dove,104, of Dayton, VA (Briery Branch) and formerly of Bergton, VA passed into Heaven’s gate on the morning of July 10, 2024.  Otis was a loving caring, and meek man.  He loved his family, and was a man who prayed for them each day of his life.

Otis was born May 30, 1920, in Rockingham County to the late Angus and Mary See Dove.

Otis worked at Walker Manufacturing for 10 years.  He worked in the Building and Grounds Department at James Madison University before retiring.  He was a member of Valley View Mennonite Church in Criders and served as a deacon for many years. He was an honorary member of Briery Branch Ruritan Club.

Otis was married to Lottie V. Dove, who preceded him in death 20 years ago.  It was with great sadness that Lottie had to spend her last years in a nursing facility, however she was not alone there.  Otis was so committed to his wife he visited her almost daily, and during those visits he would feed her and after eating he would play his guitar and sing to her.  Otis loved Lottie and committed his time to making her as happy as she could be here on earth.

Otis was a man who enjoyed working in the garden, flowerbeds, and doing wood working projects.  He didn’t like having idle hands and time.  When Otis reached a time in his life when he was unable to work anymore the light in his eyes dimmed.  Otis tried to find other things to do to keep him busy, but as days and years went by he became more ready to meet his Lord & Savior and join his loved ones who had gone before him.  Otis was a man who read his bible daily, and when his sight no longer allowed him to do that, once again he found himself getting more ready to meet his Lord.

On Wednesday, July 10th he stated “I can’t do it anymore”. Otis was heard praying that morning and 20 minutes after his prayer he simply closed his eyes and stopped breathing.  God answered his prayer.  Thank you God for being merciful to Otis.

Surviving are two daughters, Esther Strawderman of Lost River, WV, Yvette Auville and husband Stanley, Jr. of Dayton; grandchildren, Bambie Dean and husband Kevin, Shelia McDonaldson and husband Kenny, Lorie Anderson and husband Brad, Lisa Thacker and husband Tim, Lanna Higgs and husband Tim, Leann Sutherland and husband Adam, Jimmy Dove and wife Suzy, Timmy Dove and wife Leslie, Brandon Auville, Brett Auville, Wanda Frye, Linda Carpenter; one sister, Dessil May of Harrisonburg; daughters-in-law, Mary Dove, Ruth Dove; 14 great grandchildren; 7 great great grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews.

Otis was preceded in death by two sons, Gary Dove, James Dove; son-in-law, Wayne Strawderman; great grandson, Justin Dean, brothers, Brosie, Lester, and Marvin Dove; and one sister, Ressie Wilkins.

Pastor Mike Shenk will conduct a funeral service 11:00 AM Wednesday at Valley View Mennonite Church.  The burial will be in the Caplinger cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6 – 8 PM Tuesday at Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway.  Mr. Dove will be ready for viewing Monday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Valley View Mennonite Church, P.O. Box 20, Criders, VA  22820.