Otis Babbs, Jr.'s Obituary
Pastor Otis Babbs, Jr., age 72, transitioned peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025, in the Hospice Care Center. Through his strength, courage, and unwavering faith, he served as an example, role model, and inspiration to many. Born on January 30, 1953, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Otis Babbs, Sr. and Willene (Babbs) Byrd, he was a proud graduate of Chattanooga High School, Class of 1970. Having answered his spiritual calling early in life, Otis was called into the ministry in the early 1970s and delivered his trial sermon at Alleyne Memorial AME Church. He later founded King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as Senior Pastor until 1995. Over the years, he also pastored at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (Hollywood, AL), Faith Chapel Worship Center (Soddy Daisy, TN), and Church of God Gospel Assembly (Soddy Daisy, TN).
Pastor Babbs was widely known across the Tri-State area for both his dynamic preaching and his remarkable musical gifts. As a beloved member of The Crusaders gospel quartet, his powerful voice and passion for worship uplifted and encouraged countless people. In addition to his ministry, Otis worked alongside his family in their business, Babbs & Son Upholstery, founded by his father. He also proudly served the City of Chattanooga as a firefighter and later as a fire inspector. His lifelong commitment to service continued through his work at the Hamilton County Courthouse and later as an independent contractor.
Otis will be remembered for his deep faith, generous heart, and the many lives he touched through his ministry, music, and acts of service. He was preceded in death by his father, Otis Babbs, Sr.; mother, Willene (Babbs) Byrd; stepfather, Benjamin Byrd; mother-in-law, Mae (Moss) Johnson; and stepson, DeMontae Ware.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Michelle Babbs; daughters, Paris Lane, Darleene (J.W.) Cole, Alexandria Davis of Nashville, TN, and Malorie Hope Allen; sons, Corey (Brooke) Babbs, Reginald Ware, Lorenzo Ware, Darrius Ware, Julian Babbs, and Jamaeshun Byrd; brothers-in-law, Hubert (Andrea) Moss, Mark Moss, and Edward Moss, all of Chattanooga, TN; sister-in-law, Audrie Moss of Chattanooga, TN; aunt-in-law, Mary Matthews; granddaughters, Ebony Evans, Cayci Babbs, Avah Larkin, Ellianna High, and Zinnia Allen; grandsons, Aubrey Thomas, Alexander Babbs, Jameson Babbs, and Egypt Lee; great-grandsons, Abraham Mulligan and Benjamin Mulligan; bonus children, Senneca Harris, Robert Harris, and Iva Newsom; and a host of extended family members, church family, and friends who loved him dearly.
“Well done, thou good and faithful servant: Thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”— Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
Pastor Babbs will lie-in-state on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at Hawkinsville Missionary Baptist Church. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church with Minister Ron Oliver and Minister Robbie Harrington as the Eulogists. Burial on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Greenwood Cemetery. Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga, Inc.
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