"A life of service, music and the complexities that make us human"

Otha Lee Abney born January 21, 1939, passed away on July 2, 2025, leaving behind a story woven with ambition, music, public service and the full measure of a life lived earnestly.

Reared in Sanford, Florida, Otha was the beloved son of the late Othel Duval-Hill and a proud graduate of Crooms Academy's Class of 1957.  He was baptized at St. Paul Baptist Church under the guidance of Rev. B.H. Hodge, grounding his early life in faith and community.  He attended Bethune-Cookman College, where he discovered and nurtured a remarkable gift for the trombone--an instrument through which he expressed both discipline and soul.

Otha answered the call to serve his country, joining the United States Army where he served in the Special Services.  His musical talent earned him a place in the esteemed 134th Army Band. Through his instrument, he brought comfort, pride and cultural connection to those around him--whether on parade grounds or stage far from home.

After his military service, Otha returned to Central Florida and pursued a life in law enforcement.  Over the ears, he held positions with the Sanford Police Dept, Chief of Eatonville Police Dept. and ultimately served as a Lieutenant with the Apopka Police Department. His path in public service was not without hardship or missteps, including a difficult departure later in his career. Yet through it all, Otha remained committed to doing right by his community, striving to make a difference and leaving behind an undeniable legacy of presence and perseverance.

Otha's life was not perfect, but it was full---of effort, of talent, of service and of impact.  He was a man of his time, and at times, a man ahead of it.  He will be remembered with love.