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Claude Newton Otey Jr., 89, passed away peacefully after a battle with dementia on Feb. 22. He was a lifelong resident of Victoria, until moving to Hickory Hill Retirement Community in 2021. He was born to Claude Newton Otey Sr. and Leonora Neal Otey on May 7, 1934. 

Claude was the former Owner and Operator of Victoria Exxon. As a master gardener, a lifetime member of Victoria Fire and Rescue, and local volunteer, Claude was an active member of his community giving unselfishly of his time. 

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Audrey Thackston Otey; daughter, Charlene Ellington of South Hill and son, Vern Otey (Kyna) of Lunenburg; three grandchildren, Jasmine Williams, Seth Otey (Jessi), and Kyle Otey (Jessie); seven great-grandchildren, Alex Hite, Maci Davis, Ben Davis, Andi Otey, Crawford Otey, Nora Otey and Walker Otey and one great-great-granddaughter, Teagan Hite.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 2, from 11 to 1 p.m. at Staples Funeral Home, 2300 Nottoway Blvd., Victoria, VA 23974 and the family will be holding a private service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Public Library, P.O. Box 1422, Victoria, VA 23974 or the charity of your choice.