Otis Brown

Otis Brown, 77, of Williston, SC passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at his home. No formal services are planned.

Born in Williston, SC, he was a son of the late David Brown and Buhla Blue Brown. He had 16 brothers and sisters and started singing when he was young. He was a national recording artist as well as a prolific songwriter; he believed that entertainment was synonymous with excitement.  His musical roots are buried in country music with a soulful southern gospel influence; he toured with his brothers in a gospel group. However, the tremendous talents of Otis Brown knows no limits. He wrote and performed music for practically every category known, reaching from the early days of Chuck Berry to the golden days of Motown, from the beach music era in the 50’s and 60’s on up to the top hits of the 90’s. He was best known for his early day recording and touring with the Original Drifters. He also had performed with Otis Redding, Percy Sledge, Laverne Baker, Jackie Wilson, Eddie Cornelious, Roy Hamilton and Sonny Turner. In 1996, Otis answered “The Call” to tour Las Vegas. He sang at several well-known hotels which included The Monte Carlo, Rio Desert Inn and New York, New York plus other various casinos. His single Easy to be Hard hit the number one on the charts in the summer of 1983. Otis was a very versatile entertainer who performed for many private parties and conventions and always made an awesome appearance. Otis was part of the Huntington Beach Parade for over eight years and proudly held the John Phillip Souza Award, he was the second recipient of this award; the first was awarded in the 1930’s. During his days of entertaining he has toured the East Coast from Washington, D.C., to Miami, FL. Once he moved back to Williston, he continued to entertain; he performed at many small town festivals include the Festival on the Round in Barnwell, the Ridgeville Arts and Culture Festival in Ridgeville, the Spring Cooter Festival in Allendale, the Sassafras Festival in Burnettown, the Treasurefest in Bamberg, and the Olar Festival in Olar plus many others. He blessed many people through his music and was always so giving of his time and talents. After relocating to Williston, he owned and operated Otis Brown Upholstery and Auto Trim Shop; he was equally talented as he was very successful in operating his upholstery business for many years.

Survivors include his loving wife of 37 years Janet Jasion Brown, his daughters Catherine Michael of Williston, Diane Bing of New Jersey, Retha (Sam) Holmes of Williston, Donna (Donald) Thomas of Statesville, NC, Terri Hunt of Columbia, SC and Cassandra (Tim) Johnson of Elkridge of MD.; his sisters Elizabeth Bing, Sherry Ann Brown, Mary Carree, Lucille Johnson, Loraine Brown, Gloria Hay, Barbara Brown, Betty Smalls; his brothers Carnell Brown, John Lee Brown, Isaac Brown, L. C. Brown and a number of nieces and nephews; 18 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Mark Brown, David Brown, Jr. and J. C. Brown.

Folk Funeral Home Inc. and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements. Visit our on-line registry at www.folkfuneralhome.com.

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