Corry Oakes was the co-founder and CEO of OTO Development, a hotel development and hospitality management company based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was also a former chairman of the Wofford College Board of Trustees, his alma mater, where he played football as a linebacker. He was a successful businessman, a community leader, a mentor, and a family man. He passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, August 7, 2022, at the age of 55, leaving behind his wife, Amy, and their three daughters, Ashley, Elizabeth, and Lauren.
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What Happened to Corry Oakes?
The exact cause of Corry Oakes’ death has not been publicly disclosed. According to a statement by OTO Development, he died unexpectedly, but did not give any further details. According to his obituary, he died at his home in Spartanburg. No foul play or suspicious circumstances have been reported.
How Did the Community React to Corry Oakes’ Death?
Corry Oakes’ death was met with shock and sadness by the Spartanburg community and the hospitality industry. He was remembered as a beloved leader, a dear friend, a generous donor, and a visionary entrepreneur. He was praised for his impact on the development of Spartanburg, his support for Wofford College, and his leadership of OTO Development, which became one of the fastest-growing hotel companies in the country.
A memorial service was held on Friday, August 12, 2022, at the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium at Wofford College, followed by a reception. Donations in his memory were made to the Corry W. Oakes III Endowed Scholarship Fund at Wofford College, or to the charity of one’s choice.
What Was Corry Oakes’ Legacy?
Corry Oakes left behind a legacy of excellence, innovation, and service. He co-founded OTO Development in 2004, along with Todd Turner, Jim Ovenden, George Dean Johnson Jr., and the late H. Wayne Huizenga. OTO Development is part of The Johnson Group, a family of companies that includes Johnson Development Associates, American Credit Acceptance, and OTO Hospitality. OTO Development has developed and managed over 100 hotels across the United States, with brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG. OTO Development was also recognized as one of the best places to work in the hospitality industry.
Corry Oakes was also a loyal supporter of Wofford College, where he graduated in 1988 with a degree in business economics. He served on various boards and committees at the college, and was the chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2019 to 2021. He was instrumental in the development of the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium, the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts, and the Stewart H. Johnson Greek Village. He also established the Corry W. Oakes III Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to students with demonstrated need and academic merit.
Corry Oakes was also a philanthropist and a civic leader, who contributed to various causes and organizations in Spartanburg and beyond. He was involved with the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, the United Way of the Piedmont, the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the Spartanburg County Foundation, and the Spartanburg Academic Movement. He also supported the Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas, the Charles Lea Center, the Spartanburg Humane Society, and the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen.
Corry Oakes was a man of integrity, passion, and kindness, who touched the lives of many people. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and community.
