Rodney Ottinger

Commander Rodney Lynn Ottinger, my sweet loving husband, age 59 of Newport, passed away suddenly on Thursday, March 3, 2016. Rodney retired from the United States Navy Reserve after twenty six years of dedicated service to his country. He traveled the world on the USS Peoria, USS Sides, and the USS Blue Ridge. He spent two consecutive tours in Afghanistan from April 2007 to February 2011 only returning for three brief months in 2009. He received the Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He fulfilled his life-long passion to help heal the sick as a Physician's Assistant in Emergency Medicine, working in Cardiothoracic Surgery in Los Angeles, California and Emergency Medicine with Team Health of Knoxville since 2003. Medicine was not his only love, music had no boundaries. We loved attending many concerts and he played the piano beautifully. An avid and talented photographer, through his lens, he captured the smallest of God's creations in beautiful flowers and the breathtaking views of these vast mountains. We were blessed to have five wonderful years together. We loved to hike the trails of the Smoky Mountains holding hands and loving each other along the way. We made plans for our life, but God had a different one. Our love will live on and he will be truly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, William (Bill) Glen Ottinger, Sr. and Sue Ella (Fancher) Ottinger and brother, William (Buddy) Glen Ottinger, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Rhonda P. Ottinger, her children, Matthew R. Palmer and wife Vicky of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Jacob T. Colby of Warner Robins, Georgia, and Sara B. Colby of Newport, step-mother, Jennie Ottinger of Johnson City, Tennessee, niece, Mason Ottinger Miller of Newport, his in-laws and their children, Karen D. Graham, son, Lucas J. Graham, wife Jaymie, and their daughters, Hayden and Harper, and son Austin Graham, Kevin and Donna Lamb and their daughters, Katie J. Lamb and Maddie K. Lamb. He also leaves behind a dear cousin Sherry Campbell and his life-long best friend, Pat Williams and his beloved parents, Bill and Patsy Williams. He will forever be missed by his wife, family, and friends. Funeral Service will be at 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 6, 2016 in the Manes Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, March 7, 2016 in Union Cemetery, The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm on Sunday at Manes Funeral Home prior to the Funeral Service. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Manes Funeral Home.

Rodney Ottinger

January 14, 1957 - March 3, 2016