Some people are remembered for what they’ve accomplished. Otis Carrell will be remembered for the countless lives he changed and the friendships he inspired throughout his extraordinary life.

Otis Lee Carrell, 81, of Texas City passed away on Saturday, July 4, 2026. He was born on October 3, 1944 in Texas City to Otis Campbell Carrell and Bobbie Lee Carrell.

Otis graduated from Texas City High School, received his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Houston, and completed his education with a master’s degree at Sam Houston State University. As a dedicated educator at La Marque independent school district, he inspired generations of students through his passion for science, chemistry, and business. Otis was a mentor, whose encouragement, wisdom and belief in others helped shaped countless lives. The measure of his influence could be seen in the lifelong friendships. He maintained with his former students. Decades after leaving his classroom, many continued to visit, call and honor the man who had made such a profound difference in their lives. To them, he was not just a teacher. He was someone who genuinely cared and never stopped believing in their potential.

Beyond education, Otis was a successful business owner of “Carrell’s”, a premier luxury gift store. He along with his mother Bobbie Carrell assisted many a young bride to be in selecting their fine tableware.

One of Otis‘s greatest passions was bringing people together through international exchange programs. For many years, he sponsored exchange students, welcoming them into his life with kindness and generosity. Those students along with their families became lifelong friends and remained a cherished part of his extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Otis Campbell Carrell and Bobbie Lee Adams Carrell. Otis is survived by his friend Don Van Alstyne, and numerous other friends. A profound lover of dogs, he leaves behind the joys of his life, Brody and Birdie.

Otis was a member of Saint Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Texas City.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 5 PM to 8 PM with a vigil and rosary at 7:00 PM with Deacon Steve Mistretta at the Crowder funeral home in La Marque. Funeral mass will be at 11 AM on Friday, July 10, 2026 at St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Texas City, with Father Clint Ressler officiating. Graveside service will be on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 12:30 PM with Deacon Steve Mistretta officiating at Forest Park East cemetery in Webster, Texas.

Serving as pallbearers will be Rico Rosenbaum, Peter Landry, Ami Barzilay, Darwin Perren, Walter Crowder, Lee Crowder, Dr. Dan Piazza, Mayor Abel Garza, Joe Chuoke, and Salvador Faus.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Charles Doyle, Matt Doyle, Bill Johnson, Carl Fuchs, Lewis Fuchs, Joseph DeSanto, Gene Miller, and Jose Boix.

Memorials may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul ministry at St. Mary of the miraculous Medal Catholic Church in Texas City, TCISD foundation for the future in Texas City and the Galveston Island Humane Society.

A life so well lived leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten. Though he will be deeply missed the lessons he taught, the friendships he built and the lives he shaped will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know Otis Carrell.

Texas City will not be the same without him.