Quitman Ottis Swails

November 13, 1948 - May 9, 2026

IN THE CARE OF OMEGA CREMATIONS OF THE SPACE COAST

Family and friends are mourning the loss of much-beloved Quitman “Ottis” Swails, who died peacefully on May 9, 2026, at the age of 77. Ottis was a longtime resident in Brevard County.

He was born in Douglas, Georgia, to parents, Julius Swails and Kathleen Snipes, who eventually moved their four young children and family to Titusville, Florida. Ottis attended elementary and middle schools there. Upon completion of classes at Titusville High School, he followed in the footsteps of his father by serving his country as a United States Army Specialist in Diesel Mechanics stationed in Seoul, Korea.

Having worked at Parrish Medical Center for over 30 years as a carpenter in the Plant Services Unit, each year he was tasked with putting up their giant Christmas Tree for all the public, patients, and visitors to enjoy.

Throughout his life and especially after retirement, Ottis was able and blessed to enjoy his true passion, which was outdoor life. You could always find him spending time hunting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness of Montana, Red fishing in the Indian River with his son, Jeff, or gator hunting in his airboat on the St. Johns River, all places he loved and knew well.

Ottis also had a love of vehicles and engine mechanics. He spent many hours in his shop at home most often always helping others, whether it was just a simple “tune up” or a major engine rebuild. If it involved a construction project or a mechanical challenge, he was there, never expecting anything in return.

While in the 4th grade, Ottis was paired to dance with another 4th grade girl named Leslie Wheeler, who over the years grew to become the love of his life and eventually his wife and the mother of their first child. Throughout all the years, he never stopped loving her as she took care of him in his final challenging years. 

Ottis is preceded in death by his parents, Julius Swails and Kathleen Clinger; brother, Jimmy Swails; and sisters, Connie Miller and Kathy Wesland. He is survived by his loving partner, Leslie Roberts; sons, Jeffrey Swails (Lucinda), David Roberts and Scott Mercer (MelissaLyn); daughters, Shelly Ahrens and Sylluna Clayton; sisters, Bonnie Herman (Greg) and Penny Parcel (Darren); along with his grandchildren, nieces,  nephews, and cousins, as well as the men he considered brothers, Carlos Waring and Ed Turner.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled and announced at a later date and time.