‘You always will be loved’: Hundreds celebrate life of Otis Anderson Jr.

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Former UCF, University Christian shot prima shot, killed by father, constabulary say

The Southside Church of Christ was filled to capableness with family, friends, fraternity brothers, coaches and members of the community. They honored the beingness of Otis Anderson Jr. done song… successful words of encouragement and a tribute to Anderson's ma and extended family.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Hundreds of radical packed a Jacksonville religion Tuesday to celebrate the beingness of Otis Anderson Jr.

The 23-year-old erstwhile University of Central Florida and University Christian shot prima was changeable and killed past week. His begetter is facing charges successful his death.

Southside Church of Christ was filled to capableness Tuesday with family, friends, fraternity brothers, coaches and members of the assemblage arsenic they honored the beingness of “Juice,” arsenic Otis Anderson Jr. was known -- aft his O.J. moniker. The affectional memorial included songs, words of encouragement and a tribute to Anderson’s ma and extended family.

“I recognize our bosom is mourning, but I don’t miss the infinitesimal of celebrating his life,” said Bishop Demetris Pressley, telling those who knew the beloved shot standout that they indispensable propulsion done this achy moment.

Anderson’s casket was covered successful his fraternity colors and letters. His assemblage resting down a Los Angeles Rams shot helmet, flanked by framed jerseys and surrounded by shot pictures and memorabilia. His passionateness for the athletics intelligibly beforehand and center.

Otis Anderson Jr.’s casket was covered successful his fraternity colors and letters and flanked by framed jerseys. (Courtesy of Facebook Live)

His erstwhile University Christian shot manager David Penland III reflected connected Anderson’s life.

“You were connected this Earth for a abbreviated time, and successful that abbreviated time, Otis lived his champion life. Life is short, decease is sure, misdeed is the cause, Christ is the cure. Life is but a vapor and it is present for a small while,” Penland said.

Another 1 of Anderson’s coaches, Josh Heupel, who led the Knights erstwhile Anderson was astatine UCF, said “Juice” shined some connected and disconnected the field.

“You’ll beryllium remembered forever,” Heupel said. “You ever volition beryllium loved, and the top grounds of your life, moving forward, is that we volition ever person a portion of you going with us. Love you.”

UCF administrators presented the Anderson household with a peculiar shot signed by galore of his closest teammates. The choir sang songs of praise successful the midst of their large grief.

Anderson’s assemblage was carried retired of the religion by immoderate of his friends, household and fraternity members, earlier being transported by a equine and buggy to his last resting place.

“It’s a pugnacious clip close now. They mislaid a brother. They mislaid a teammate. They mislaid a champion friend,” UCF Associate Athletics Director Carlos McCants said. “Right now, everyone is having a hard clip conscionable dealing with it.”

There was besides a beardown showing of officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office astatine the service. Anderson’s mother, who was besides injured successful the shooting, is simply a corrections officer.

Otis Anderson Sr. told constabulary helium changeable his woman and lad successful self-defense during an argument.