Otis William Doss

Dr. Otis William Doss Jr, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, friend and doctor, passed away on July 4th, 2025, in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was 93 years old.

Otis Doss was born on May 15, 1932, in Madison Heights, Virginia to Otis and Annie Viola Doss. After finishing high school at E.C. Glass in Lynchburg, Virginia, he attended Lynchburg College, which is now the University of Lynchburg. He had many fond memories of living in Madison Heights and attending Lynchburg College and always had many stories to share about his “growing up” years while living there. From there he attended the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia where he met his wife Betty Jane while she was attending school there too for medical technology. They soon married while he did his residency at Johnston-Willis Hospital. After having their three children, Billy, Beth and Mary Ellen, Otis and Betty moved to Lynchburg, Virginia where he worked for a year. He saw his calling when he was asked to join the medical staff at the Eastern Shore Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox, Virginia in 1966. He preferred the simple life of living on the Shore and wanted to be where he felt he was needed. Otis moved his family to Belle Haven, Virginia on the Shore and continued to practice until his retirement in 2005 at the age of 73. After a few years of retirement, he accepted the position of acting medical director at the Parksley Nursing Home where he finished out his years in medicine. He was a devoted doctor and was loved by all who worked with him. He became a doctor for the right reasons – to treat all people with care and respect.

Even though Otis was a dedicated doctor he always found time to attend all his children’s sports and school events. He loved all sports and continued to show his dedication to his children’s college athletics, especially to the University of Virginia where he attended many football and basketball games for years even after his retirement. He was often seen wearing “blue and orange” UVA colors whether it be a shirt, tie, or a hat to show his loyalty to the school, but his first love was always for the Lynchburg College Hornets.

During his years on the Shore, Otis was an active member of the Belle Haven United Methodist Church. He regularly attended Sunday services, where he loved to sing the hymns. His favorites were “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art”.

Otis Doss continued to show kindness and was helpful to all who needed it even after his retirement. He enjoyed his last years with his wife Betty Jane, his three children, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.

Dr. Otis Doss will be missed by many people on the Eastern Shore and by others with whom he came across. His dedication as a doctor, husband, father and grandfather will always be remembered.

The funeral service for Dr. Otis Doss will be held Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 1:00PM at Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia. The family will greet friends after the service. Internment at Belle Haven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests making a donation to an animal rescue of your choice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www. Doughtyfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements made by Doughty Funeral Home in Exmore, Virginia.