William A. Ott passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, in Daniel Island, South
Carolina, at the age of 84. He was born on March 31, 1941, in Parkersburg, West
Virginia, to Olga N. and W. Jesse Ott.
Bill was a 1959 graduate of Parkersburg High School where he sang in the A Cappella
choir. He went on to earn his degree from Glenville State College. He dedicated 38
years of professional service to E.I. DuPont, retiring in 2000 after a long and
distinguished career marked by mentorship, reliability, and strong work ethic.
Deeply committed to service, Bill was an active member of the North Parkersburg
Kiwanis Club, where he served as both President of the local club and Governor for the
West Virginia district of Kiwanis. His dedication to youth and education was evident
through his involvement with the Parkersburg High School and Parkersburg South High
School Key Clubs. Many in the community fondly remember Bill as the longtime pass
gate attendant at Parkersburg High School football games, a role he thoroughly
enjoyed.
Bill was devoted to his faith and was an active member of Emmanual Baptist Church
where he and his late wife Barbara along with Jan and Lee Ashwell started the
Crusaders Sunday school class in 1964/65. Bill and Barbara also sang in the church
choir for over 50 years.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Vaneta S. Barr; his parents, Olga N. and W.
Jesse Ott; and his beloved wife, Barbara E. Ott.
Bill is survived by his two daughters, Kimberly K. Caristi (Michael) of Mount Pleasant,
South Carolina, and Katherine Ott Walter (David) of McGaheysville, Virginia; his
grandsons, Anthony L. Caristi and Joseph A. Caristi; and numerous nieces, nephews
and cousins.
Bill will be remembered for his dedication to his family, friends, community, and faith.
Donations may be made to Emmanual Baptist Church or The Alzheimer’s Association.
A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, January 7th, at 11am, at Leavitt Funeral Home in Parkersburg. Burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Visitation time will be held Tuesday the 6th, from 2-5pm, and again an hour before the service on Wednesday.
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