Otis W. New of Fayetteville passed away Thursday, November 13, 2025. He was born August 26, 1927, in Guy, Arkansas, to William Irvin and Mary Elzie Dodd New.
Otis attended Conway Public Schools. Just before being drafted into the Army during World War II, he married Margie Graham. They were married for over 77 years.
After being honorably discharged from military service Otis returned to Conway where he owned and operated one of the most successful full-service gas stations in Faulkner County. He eventually sold the station and went to work for Ward Bus Company where he was director of all external transportation. After retirement he and Margie enjoyed traveling all over the SW part of the United States.
Otis loved the Lord, his family, his grandkids, great grandkids, great great grandkids and all their various dogs. He never said no to helping his “kids” anytime they needed something repaired or were hungry for pizza and cokes.
He and Margie were members of three churches during their 77-year marriage. He was a first-generation member of Antioch Baptist church in Conway (serving as lead usher for years), East side Baptist church in Conway and University Baptist Church in Fayetteville.
He was preceded in death by his wife Margie, a son Otis Lynn, and a son Michael Wayne. He is survived by a son Bobby (Judy), a daughter-in-law Jackie Jones New (Mike), five grandkids Desiree’ New Holler, Sam New, Adam Skinner, Cara Rana Lank and Ryan Lee Rana; a train load of great-grandkids; great-great-grandkids plus three dogs (Livy, Gracie, and Max).
Otis and Margie were long-time residents of Katherine’s Place at Wedington in Fayetteville. Katherine’s was not just a home to them but a place where they met and became friends with both residents and staff members. They lived there a combined total of 13 years.
Also, a special word of thanks to Elite Hospice for the wonderful work of serving Otis during his last several months.
Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 21, at Oak Grove Cemetery, Conway, Arkansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Second Mile Ministry, UBC, 333 West Maple Street, Fayetteville, AR, 72701.