Ortis E. Carmichael

Ortis Eugene Carmichael, age 76, of Nixa, Missouri passed away from this life December 28, 2020 to be welcomed home by our Lord and Savior. Ortis was born October 3, 1944 in Chillicothe, Missouri to Ortis S. and Pauline Carmichael. He married Mary Ann Harris on June 10, 1967. Ortis attended the University of Missouri - Columbia earning a B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture. He was employed by the University of Florida Extension Service as a Horticultural Specialist in Polk County Florida. Upon returning to Missouri, while living in Sarcoxie, Missouri, he served 30 years with the Missouri Department of Agriculture Division of Plant Industries as an Area Inspector where he covered 22 counties in Southwest Missouri. He retired in 2006, moved to Nixa, Missouri, and enjoyed traveling and nature photography with Mary Ann. During his years in Sarcoxie he served the Lord at First Baptist Church in various positions including deacon, Sunday School teacher, and worship leader. Upon retirement he served the Lord at First Baptist Church Ozark leading Vintage Voices Senior Adult Choir and teaching Sunday School when needed. Ortis is survived by his wife Mary Ann; brother Bill Carmichael and wife Shirley of Brighton, Colorado; daughter Shanna Davis and husband Bill of Carrollton, Illinois; daughter Melissa Massey and husband Brent of Bella Vista, Arkansas; grandchildren, William Davis, Emily (Davis) Kirkpatrick and husband Trevor, Ashlyn Massey, and Emma Massey; nieces Kristen Ostema and husband Glen and Kelly Carmichael; and other family and friends. Ortis is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law Travis and Lillian Harris. Funeral services will be held January 2, 2021 at First Baptist Church Ozark with visitation at 12pm and service following at 1pm. Burial will follow in Maple Park Cemetery in Springfield Missouri. Arrangements are under the direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark. Memorial contributions in Ortis' memory are suggested to First Baptist Church Ozark Building Fund.