Otis Charles Wicks' Obituary
LIFE REFLECTIONS
Otis Charles Wicks, at the age of 82, left this world peacefully on July 27, 2025, in Oakland, California.
Otis, mostly known by friends and family as "Charles,” was born on February 26, 1943, in Pelahatchie, Mississippi. He was the son of Reverend McAlister and Maggie Clayton-Wicks. He grew up in Fayette, Mississippi where he developed a strong work ethic and love for his family.
After graduating from high school, he went on to pursue a career in the United States Air Force. He was stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, and then at Travis Air Force Base working in aircraft maintenance where he was honorably discharged in 1965. He then went on to enjoy a successful career at the Alameda Naval Air Station as an aircraft maintenance supervisor until his retirement in 1995.
In 1964 Charles and Bettye Wicks met in Oakland, California. They later eloped on October 25th, 1965. After marriage they settled in Oakland, where they raised their two daughters Velda and Mechelle where he always offered support and guidance throughout their youth and adulthood.
Music was his passion. He spent his weekends at Leopold’s Records and House of Music buying all the latest albums from Miles Davis, Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, and Earth Wind & Fire. His music library was very extensive and envied. He also enjoyed attending concerts such as his all-time favorite, Carlos Santana.
His favorite sports teams were the Oakland A’s and the Oakland Raiders. He and Bettye spent most Sundays with friends and family at Raider games, and he frequently took Velda and Meme to A’s games, especially for “bat day.” He also enjoyed traveling across the country in his motor home and taking day trips with the family. He loved jogging around Lake Merritt with family and friends at his side. He spent countless summers as the “grill
master” and everyone knows wholeheartedly that he cooked THE BEST barbecue in the state!
After retirement, Charles enjoyed many pastimes which included "Driving Ms. Daisy" (Bettye) to Cache Creek or TJ Maxx and security guard duties at multiple locations around the Bay Area. In his later years, Charles would enjoy the company of his family, especially visits from all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They kept that spark in his eyes. He would always ask about each one and always wanted to know what they’re up to.
Charles is survived by his wife Bettye, son Clarance, daughter Velda Hathorn-Wicker (husband Dennis), his daughter Mechelle “Meme” Gonzalez (husband Carlos), his three grandkids Nichole Gonzalez, Tre’vey Wicker (wife Adrian), Anisa Wicker, and seven great-grandkids Joshua, Madison, Ari, Jaxon, Kai’Yah, Derrion, Micah, and his sisters Arlee “Neet” Travis, Ella Nichols (husband Edward), and a hosts of nieces and nephews. Charles was preceded in death by his siblings: Emma, Linda, George, Maxine, Minnie Atkins, Dallas, Annie Rose Brooks and Augusta Hobson.
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