William Franklin Ottinger Jr.

Novelist, writer, painter, historian, fly fisherman, art gallery owner, trust and investment banking professional, father, husband, and friend. Willam Franklin Ottinger, Jr. passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta on February 14 at the age of 83. Bill was surrounded by his loving wife and his family. The son of the late William Franklin Ottinger, Sr. and Margaret Britton Ottinger. He is preceded in death by his grandson, Scott Phillip Hunt, Jr. Bill is survived by his wife Sandra Cobble Ottinger, three children Kelle Ottinger Hunt, Kriste Ottinger Sanders (David), and Trip Ottinger (Hollie), his grandchildren Alex Hunt (Kate), Claire Moroney (Connor), Chris Roof (Brittany), Maggie Roof, Sandy Sanders, Jack and Anna Ottinger, two great grandchildren and his faithful cat, Gus.

A graduate of Emory University, Bill was a renaissance man who was great at many things, from being a Napoleonic plastic figure modeler, ​​an art form in which he gained international recognition as a Grand Master painter, to an award winning author of books such as A Season for Ravens, The Savannah Betrayals, and The Last Van Gogh. On his last fly fishing trip in the North Georgia mountains, he landed a 20 inch brown trout, the catch of the day.

Bill was a great friend and colleague. He possessed a wide range of knowledge, skills, and talents that he shared with such a wide range of individuals and organizations. He will always be remembered, greatly appreciated, loved, and missed.
Bill will have his ashes scattered in the marshes of Savannah, Georgia, where he spent many years fishing with his father. In Bill’s memory, donations can be made to the Humane Society and Trout Unlimited.
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” – John 14:1-3