Melvyn Lazelle Ottinger

Melvyn Lazelle Ottinger, of Dalton, Georgia, went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, devoted family, servant leadership, and a lifetime of investing in others.

Born on February 5, 1940, in Newport, Tennessee, to Reuben and Beulah Ottinger, Melvyn was a gifted athlete, dedicated educator, beloved coach, and faithful follower of Christ. Throughout every season of his life, he sought to honor God through a deep commitment to serving others.

In 1968, at just twenty-six years old, Melvyn became one of the founding faculty members of Dalton Junior College and the school's first head basketball coach. Over ten seasons, he built the Roadrunners into a premier junior college program, earning multiple championships and recognition as Georgia Coach of the Year twice. But those who knew Coach O best understood that wins were never what mattered most. He loved developing young men, believing in them before they believed in themselves, and inviting them to become part of something bigger than themselves. "We didn't have anything to offer except the chance to be a part of something special," he once reflected, words that defined not only his teams, but his entire life.

After the basketball program concluded in 1978, Melvyn continued serving Dalton State as a professor of biology and physical education until his retirement in 2000. Generations of students remember him not only as a teacher, but as a mentor whose encouragement, wisdom, and genuine care left a lasting impact. Even in retirement, he remained one of Dalton State's greatest champions, helping pave the way for the return of intercollegiate athletics to the College. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Dalton State named both the Ottinger Hall building and the basketball court in Bandy Gym “Coach O Court” in his honor, lasting reminders of the foundation he helped build and the countless lives he influenced.

But Melvyn's calling extended far beyond the classroom and the court. He served as a deacon at First Baptist Church, where he and his beloved wife, Marilyn, led a Sunday school class together for fifteen years. He served his community through various boards and initiatives, always looking for ways to invest in the people around him. He was a storyteller who could light up a room, generous with his time, and genuinely interested in the lives of others. If you spent enough time around Coach O, you probably heard his favorite stories more than once.

Above every accomplishment, however, Melvyn treasured his faith and his family. He shared sixty-three beautiful years of marriage with his beloved wife and college sweetheart, Marilyn Ann (Ziegler) Ottinger. Together they built a Christ-centered home marked by love, hospitality, generosity, and steadfast devotion. After Marilyn went home to be with the Lord earlier this year, Melvyn found a new home where he was loved, cherished and cared for by the staff and residents at Dalton Square. His family rejoices in the promise that he is reunited with his bride, he is Parkinson’s free and is in the presence of his Savior.

Melvyn found his greatest joy in being a husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his children, Mandy Floyd (Jay) and Mark Ottinger (Tona); his eight beloved grandchildren, Justin Floyd (fiancée Maxi Riese), Madison Floyd, Camden Ottinger, Mackie Ottinger, Dax Ottinger, Griffin Ottinger, Mae Ottinger, and Mallie Landis (Caden); along with his sister Jo Suggs and many extended family members, former players, students, colleagues, and friends.

A celebration of Melvyn's life will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 2pm at First Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. Visitation will be Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 5pm–8pm at Dalton State in Bandy Gym on "Coach O Court."

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Empowered to Connect and/or the Melvyn and Marilyn Ottinger Basketball Scholarship at Dalton State College, and/or First Baptist Church (Attn: Wednesday Night Meals).

Click Here to Donate to Empowered to Connect

Click Here to Donate to the Melvyn and Marilyn Ottinger Basketball Scholarship

Click Here to Donate to First Baptist Church (attn: Wednesday Night Meals)