William Otis Warr, Jr., affectionately known as Billy, Bill, or Billy Otis, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, music, public service, and love for his family. 

Born June 5, 1953, to William Otis Warr, Sr. and Thelma Warr (née Hubbard), Bill grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where his love for music and faith began early. A 1971 graduate of Hamilton High School, he was an accomplished clarinetist in the marching band and later continued his musical journey as a tuba player with the renowned Tennessee State University Marching Band.

 His faith remained a cornerstone of his life. His spiritual journey began at St. John Baptist Church in Memphis where he served in the Sunday School, ministry, and as a cherished choir soloist. For 20 years, he was a devoted member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church in Covington, Tennessee, where he served as Minister, Sunday School Superintendent, and a member of the Male Chorus. 

Bill devoted more than two decades to behavioral health, addiction treatment, and criminal justice. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management and a Master of Public Administration. His professional service included roles as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, Certified Criminal Justice Specialist, and Certified Clinical Supervisor. He served with the Tennessee Department of Correction, co-founded CAAP, Inc. in Memphis, and later served as State Director for Spectrum Health Systems in Tennessee. He also served as an Adjunct Professor at Memphis Theological Seminary's School of Addictions Counseling and created the motivational program “Burst the Bubble Now.”

 Above all, Bill was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Warr (née Johnson); brother, David E. Warr of Washington, D.C.; children Inga Warr, Brennon Warr (LaKeysha), Mahlon Warr, Giron Warr, William Warr, and Jordan Warr (Mollie); stepchildren Tonya Anderson, Tracey Hill, and Quinton Hill; uncle Robert Ernest Warr, age 102, of Silver Spring, Maryland; and a host of cousins, grandchildren, and loved ones.

 Bill leaves behind 22 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who brought tremendous joy and meaning to his life. 

His musical gifts, compassionate spirit, unwavering faith, and lifetime of service will be remembered and cherished by all who knew and loved him.