HUGH STREBECK

Operations Director /Co-Owner

Hugh Strebeck has been a member of the Ott and Lee family since 1981. He is a graduate of East Central Community College and East Miss. Community College School of Mortuary Science. 

Hugh is a native of Scott County and now makes his home in Brandon. He is married to the former Susan Brittain of Forest and they have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Chris Strebeck and his wife Jessica of Forest, Melissa Cobb and her husband Justin of Pontotoc, Erin Pollard and her husband Michael of Brandon and grandchildren, Ella Grace Strebeck, Rylee Kate Strebeck and Grayson Cole Strebeck of Forest, Hayden Cobb and Owen Cobb of Pontotoc. He is a member of Park Place Baptist Church where he serves as a deacon, usher and serves on various committees. He formerly served as Chairman of the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service, being appointed by Governor Barbour in 2011 and Governor Bryant in 2015. 

“I have always felt I was called by the Lord into this profession. Helping families get through their most difficult time is a passion of mine. If a family tells me, you really did help me get through this difficult time, then I can truly say without a doubt, I had one of the greatest days you can imagine.”

TONY GILMER

Manager Lakeland Place Memorial Park/Funeral Director/Embalmer

Tony, funeral director/embalmer has been serving families at Ott and Lee in Brandon since 2001. He is a graduate of Northwest Mississippi Community College of Mortuary Sciences Class of 1995. Tony enjoys spending time with his family and loves to travel abroad in his spare time. His recently visited Europe in 2008 and 2012. 

"Serving families at Ott and Lee is a ministry to me. If I can help someone out at one of the lowest times in their life then I have done what it is that I am supposed to do."

BRIAN BARNES

Manager Brandon/ Funeral Director/Embalmer

Brian is a funeral director/embalmer and has been employed with Ott & Lee since graduating from East Mississippi Community College School of Mortuary Sciences in 1999. Brian and his wife Jennifer, both originally from Forest, have a son, Hagen and daughter, Emma. They have made Brandon their home and are members of Brandon Baptist Church, where he serves as a Deacon. Brian was influenced to become a funeral director by his family and he sees it as a ministry from God. Brian is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Rankin County in Brandon, MS and is an avid sportsman. He enjoys all forms of hunting and fishing in his spare time.

"I feel that when a person loses someone close to them it is probably the worst time of their life. Having to make final arrangements is a tremendous burden. If I can make that burden a little easier and make a friend in the process, then I have achieved my greatest accomplishment."

JONATHAN NICHOLSON

Ambassador Funeral Director/Embalmer

Jonathan Nicholson had served as a funeral director and embalmer for Ott and Lee since the Summer of 2007. He has been serving families in MS since graduating from Holmes Community College School of Mortuary Sciences in 2003.

Jonathan and wife, Tiffany, have two children, Brooklyn and Brayden. When he is not assisting families, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his family, playing drums, riding four-wheelers and being involved in church activities. 

"It is my mission to use my professional abilities to put families at ease and to provide families with a lasting tribute for their loved one."

CHAM DAVIDSON

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Cham (short for Chambliss) started with Ott & Lee in January of 2018.  Cham was born and raised in Hinds County and is a graduate of Northwest Mississippi Community College with a degree in Mortuary Science.  Cham has been serving families in the funeral industry for over 25 years. Cham, is married to the love and rock of his life Laurie. In his free time, Cham enjoys being outdoors and spending time with his wife and family. 

“It’s an honor and a blessing to be able to serve people during such a tender and difficult time.  It is more than a profession to me, but a calling from Jesus.  If I can help a family through their time of loss and help them to honor their loved one, then I am truly blessed and fulfilled.”

VICKIE DIPUMA

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Vickie has been with Ott & Lee since January 2009 and is a graduate of East Mississippi Community College School of Mortuary Science. Vickie is married to Carlos Dipuma and has three children, Brooke Harrell Christian (Noah), DeAnne Paige Harrell Stevens (Caleb) and Dustin Lee Dipuma (Carlie). Vickie enjoys spending time with her family and spoiling her grandchildren, Dalton Cruze Christian, Marshall Christian, Kaleigh Christian and Maddox Dipuma.

 “Working for Ott & Lee is not just a job for me. It is a ministry to serve families who have broken hearts in their time of need. In times of sorrow, the little things you do for someone can change that person forever. When someone loses their loved one, they are at one of the lowest times in their life. My goal is to make the arrangement process as easy as possible and the funeral a memorable tribute for that family. The value of compassion can never be over emphasized and the friendships I make with these families will always be cherished”.

Riley Dollar

Funeral Director

Riley has been working in the funeral industry since 1979, becoming licensed by the Mississippi State Board of Funeral Service as a funeral director in 2014.  He began his career with Ott & Lee as a set up man, advancing in 1986 to the position of burial insurance agent.  Riley left the funeral industry for several years to pursue other interests.  During this time, it became clear to him that he had a passion for funeral service and serving families.  He joined his Ott & Lee family again in 2018.

Riley and his wife, Rebecca, have made their home in the Cooperville Community for the last 25 years.  They have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Riley serves on the Board of Deacons of Springfield Baptist Church, is a member of the Lion’s Club and in his spare time, loves to work in his yard.

“It is my prayer that my faith and the dedication I have for serving others brings comfort to the families I serve.”

Email: 

REGGIE TATUM

Funeral Director/Embalmer

Reggie, funeral director/embalmer has been on staff with Ott & Lee since 2006. He is a graduate of East Mississippi Community College School of Mortuary Science.

Reggie and his wife, Vickie, have two sons, Jon Aaron and Christopher.

“It is from the Ott & Lee Mission Statement that I have adopted my own mission statement. For years, the Ott & Lee staff has proven trustworthy and professional. The families who have chosen us as their funeral service provider, attest to the fact that Ott & Lee is truly a Caring and Compassionate friend in time of need. Funeral service allows me to serve and be a part of the families’ lives during their hour of loss.”

CHARLES GILMER

Retired Funeral Director/Ambassador

Charles is now enjoying retirement life, he retired in 2019.  

Charles Gilmer was a member of the Ott and Lee family for over 16 years. He is married to Dot Gilmer and they have 6 children, 7 great grandchildren and 2 great- great grandchildren. 

Charles is a member of Harperville Baptist Church and enjoys working in his shop and cooking in his new shop kitchen for his family, friends and church family. He also enjoys fishing and deer hunting. 

“The reason I chose this profession is because I have always felt it was something I would like to do. My father also had the same feelings. God has blessed me for 52 years in being able to serve families in their time of loss. I get a true blessing by helping a family during this time and have made a lot of friends through my work.”

PAT MATTHEWS

Funeral Director/Ambassador

Pat retired from full time duties in 2018, and now serving families as part-time Funeral Director/Ambassador. 

He resides in Florence, MS with his wife, Peggy. Pat has two daughters, Jennifer and Brooks, and two sons, Scott and Patrick. In his spare time Pat enjoys outdoor activities and gardening.

"It is my goal to provide care and guidance to the families I serve at their time of great loss. My greatest feeling of accomplishment is when a family is pleased with how the funeral service of their loved one was conducted."

ERMA FORTENBERRY

Administrative Assistant

Erma has enjoyed serving families with pre-arrangements since 1999. She loves all people and she is willing to help them anyway that she can. While working in the Funeral Home, she also performs various other tasks.

She lives in Pelahatchie, MS and is a member of Pelahatchie Baptist Church. Erma is married to Wrighty Fortenberry, Jr., They have two children, Joyce McMillan and Scott Fortenberry and three grandchildren, Ashley McMillan, Erin McMillan, and Mary Beth Fortenberry. She really enjoys baking, sewing, and spending time with her family and friends.

"I feel that my work in this field is a ministry as well as a career. I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to serve and bless families during such a difficult time of loss."

CHRISTY PALMER

Administrative Assistant

Christy has been a member of the administrative support staff of Ott & Lee since 2011.  Prior to coming to Ott & Lee she served as office manager for a wholesale produce company in Jackson, MS.  She and her husband, Charles, reside near the historic district of downtown Brandon.  Christy has a daughter, Cheyenne, who graduated in 2021 from her mother’s alma mater, Brandon High School.

Christy views her administrative role as an important part of family service.  It is her kind and caring nature when assisting families with the necessary paperwork that makes her one of our best assets.

SHERRY WALTMAN

Retired Administrative Assistant

Sherry Waltman is a lifelong resident of Scott County and has served the families of Ott & Lee for over 40 years. She and her husband, Ricky are members of Salem Baptist Church where she serves as Sunday School Secretary. They are the parents of two children, Stacy (Howard) Mitchell, and Brian (Andrea) Waltman. The Waltmans are proud grandparents of Gavin and Valerie Rayne. During her spare time Sherry enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, working in her yard and shopping. ​

SHEILA GATES

Preneed Sales/Family Services

Sheila Gates is a lifelong resident of Rankin County living in Puckett, MS where she serves as Alderwoman for the town.  She is a licensed funeral director and insurance agent.  Sheila has been in the final care industry for over 30 years where her genuine caring has supported families during some of their most difficult days.  Sheila and her husband Scotty have 3 children, Ian Gates, Julie Bragg, and Shellie Bready along with 6 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family in the Rankin County area.  Sheila never meets a stranger and has been an active member of Puckett Baptist Church participating in the choir and children’s choir ministry for over 40 years.  She loves to sing gospel music and is an excellent southern cook.  

Email: 

ANGIE MCGOWAN

Preneed Sales/Family Services

Angie has been serving families with Ott & Lee Funeral Homes since 2007. She enjoys music, art and cooking for friends and family. She has three children, Reges, Raven and Ralph.

"I believe that by helping people pre-arrange their funerals they eliminate the extra burdens of financial stress and decision making during their families' time of grief. By providing this service I feel I am able to help people provide the best gift they can give their loved ones."

MELVA COURTNEY

Ambassador

Melva was raised in Pineville (Smith County), MS and graduated from Pineville High School. After graduation, she attended Jones County Community College in Ellisville, MS. She has worked in funeral service locally since 1988 and has been a member of the Ott and Lee family since January 2016. 

Melva is married to Charles Courtney and has lived in Pearl, MS since 1959; they have two daughters, Denise Copeland (Derrick) and Chryste Roberts (Chris) and five grandchildren, Kaley and Bryce Copeland and Brady, Abbey and Jacob Roberts. Melva’s children and grandchildren are currently attending Rankin County schools. She and Charles attend Pearl United Methodist Church and have been active members since 1960.

PATSY TWINER

Ambassador

Rev. Patsy Twiner lives in Brandon, MS with her husband James, and both are retired United Methodist ministers. They continue to serve in various ministry settings. Most recently they have been co-pastors at Pearl United Methodist Church in Pearl, MS.

Born in McComb, MS, she grew up in Jackson, graduating from Millsaps College. Eventually she completed the United Methodist Course of Study at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas. Prior to entering the ministry, she was the managing editor of the Journal of the Mississippi State Medical Association and Director of Communications for that organization.

The Twiners have two sons who live in GA, and two daughters who live in TX. They have five grandchildren.

Ann White

Ambassador

Ann White joined the Ott & Lee Team in 2017. Ann is married to Tommy for 43 years and lives in the Shiloh Community. Ann is an active member of Shiloh United Methodist Church where she and Tommy lead the Joy Group “Senior Adults”. Ann is involved in the Rankin County Jail Ministry and loves cooking, ministering to others, and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

MARIE GRAHAM

Ambassador

A caring and compassionate help to those in time of need, Marie Dearing Graham has served the families at Ott & Lee since 2011.

Marie is a lifelong resident of Forest, a 1959 graduate of Forest High School, and completed further studies at Hinds Community College. She is a retired employee of the Forest Municipal School District, serving the school and community for 17 years, retiring in 2006. Marie was a long time member of the Forest Mid Century Club until it recently disbanded. An active member of Forest Baptist Church, Mrs. Graham is a member of the Joy Makers Sunday School Class, Son-Seekers Volunteer Ministry and the Senior Adult Choir. She also serves as the treasurer for the FBC Young at Heart. In her spare time she enjoys tending to her flowers and visiting friends. Her late husband, Charles, served families at Ott & Lee Funeral Home as a funeral director for 43 years.  

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GARY WYATT

Ambassador

Gary Wyatt has been with us since August 2013 working part time as Ambassador and transport team member.  He retired from active duty Air Force in 1993 and has been a Pastor for more than 33 years.  Gary and his wife, Jennie have one son, who is also a pastor, and three beautiful granddaughters. Gary received his bachelors degree from William Carey University and then attended New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Gary feels that being a part of the Ott and Lee family gives him another opportunity to minister to families in a time of need, and he loves representing God to these families. 

Tommy White

Ambassador

Tommy White joined the Ott & Lee Team in 2018. Tommy has been married to Ann for 43 years and resides in the Shiloh Community. Tommy is retired from home building and remodeling. Tommy is active in Shiloh United Methodist Church, where he serves in several ministries such as the Choir and Men’s Ministry. He loves ministering to others through his singing in church, but his great love is spending time helping others and taking care of his family.

MARCUS MITCHELL

Maintenance

Marcus joined the Ott & Lee staff two years ago.  He is a graduate of Northwest Rankin High School and has been a lifelong resident of Rankin County where he resides with his wife.  He provides excellent service to families by making sure the cemetery set ups properly executed.

PRESTON NICK

Maintenance

Press Has been an employee of Ott & Lee since 2008.  His brother, who retired after 30 years with Ott & Lee, taught him the importance of a good service and a proper set up in the cemetery.  Press is a lifelong resident of Scott County.  He is a warm and caring person who’s work ethic is evident in every set up.

TONEY HOLLINGSHEAD

Retired Funeral Director/Ambassador

WAYNE MURRAY

Retired Pre-need Sales/Family Services

MACK GREER

Retired Ambassador

CHRISTINE ADAMS

In Loving Memory

August 15, 1962 - July 16, 2019

Lamar Kermit (Mott) Watkins

In Loving Memory

July 23, 1930 - September 20, 2020