Samuel Ralph Otter, 54, of Cherokee, passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.
He was born July 24, 1962 in Cherokee to the late Rob Shelton and Lawanda Otter Shelton. He was a Historian and Assistant Manager at the Cherokee Historical Society. He was a member of the Rock Springs Baptist Church.
Samuel is survived by his wife, Charlene Jackson Otter; two sons, Michael Otter of the home and Kerry Otter of Sylva; three brothers, Henry Otter, Craig Otter, and John Shelton (Wife Becky); one sister, Regina Watkins; and close friends, Dick Crowe and family.
In addition to his parents, Samuel was preceded in death by his grandfather, Johnson Littlejohn; one brother, Michael Shelton; and a nephew, Xavier Otter.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 4 from 5pm until 12 midnight at the Rock Springs Baptist Church where the body will remain until the hour of service on Sunday, March 5 at 2 pm. Pastors Greg Morgan, Denny Crowe, and Cliff Baker will officiate. Burial will follow the service at the Jackson Cemetery. Pallbearers will be among family and friends.
Long House Funeral Home is assisting the Otter family.