Ott Sizemore
William Arthur Sizemore, affectionately known as “Ott” passed away peacefully at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home on Monday, November 21, 2022.
Born on February 4, 1953, Ott was a native of Reidville, South Carolina and son of the late John Shell Sizemore, Sr. and Harriet Taylor Sizemore. He attended James F. Byrnes High School, graduate of the class of ’71. He attended and was graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1975 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. Ott later went on to earn his Education Specialist degree from Converse College.
Teaching, coaching, and mentoring young people was very important to Ott. He touched the lives of many students and educators over the years. His teaching and coaching career started after his graduation from USC, where he served in various roles such as a Teacher, Football Coach, Basketball Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal, Personnel Coordinator, and Title IX Coordinator. His educational career spanned 42 years in Spartanburg School Districts 6, 5, and 1, as well as Tryon, North Carolina and Union, South Carolina. He was also a School Board Member for Spartanburg School District Five. Ott was a true believer of children and definitely stood by the D5 motto of “Every Child, Every Day.” His passion for educating children was evident in his devotion and support to his community.
Ott was such a compassionate and devoted man who deeply loved his family, friends, and his beloved dogs who stayed by his side during this recent illness. He was a life-long supporter of the Byrnes Rebels and South Carolina Gamecocks. He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church, Byrnes Class of ‘71 Men’s Group, The Gamecock Club, The Rebel Touchdown Club, Founder of the Block B Alumni Club, Founding President of the Byrnes High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and former Color Commentator for the Byrnes Football team.
Ott was a devoted Christian who often enjoyed writing poems, stories, and songs. He enjoyed writing for others and often gifted his friends and co-workers with uplifting verses.
In addition to the love of his life, Lynda, Ott is survived by his children, Amy Jo Sizemore Hansen (Jeff), Andrew Warren Sizemore (Staci), Anna Sizemore Reese (Brandon), Abigail Sizemore Kyle (Caleb), John Theodore Stathakis, II, and Harry LeRoy Stathakis; grandchildren, Logan Sizemore, Bailey Reese, William Hansen, Anna Claire Sizemore, and Walker Hansen; sisters in-law, Helen Sizemore and Marise Sizemore; brother in-law, Philip LeRoy Branyon; cousin, Fredda Turner; and several nieces and nephews.
Ott was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Luther Lawrence Sizemore and John Shell Sizemore, Jr.
The family would like to thank Spartanburg Regional Hospital System’s medical professionals and staff, especially Infectious Disease specialist, Dr. Debra Miller-Cox for her devotion and medical expertise.
A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, November 23, at 10 a.m. at Bethel United Methodist Church in Spartanburg.
Reverends Brad and Megan Gray will officiate. The family will receive friends at the conclusion of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 245 South Church Street, Spartanburg South Carolina, 29306, or The Block B Alumni Club, 730 Judah Drive, Moore, SC, 29369.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.JMDunbar.com.
Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory
