Parades in the USVI will never be the same without the iconic voice of renowned commentator Athniel “Addie” Ottley.
Addie Ottley passed away this evening February 10th, 2022. This was confirmed by WTJX TV Virgin Islands, a network he worked for, for decades.
The statement read, “We just received some sad news. Our beloved host of Face to Face, Addie Ottley, passed away. Our condolences to his family.”
Recently Ottley officially signed off and retired.
At the end of January this year, the radio personality broadcasted one of his final shows for WSTA from his daughter’s home in Indiana. The USVI Daily News had reported that he signed off officially for the final time and announced his retirement.
The Daily news said, “Listeners tuning in today to hear WSTA’s “Addie Morning Show” will not hear the iconic voice of longtime host Athniel “Addie” Ottley. When he signed off from his long-running show Friday, few knew that it would be his last. But his daughter, Angela Ottley-Lewis, announced his permanent retirement. On Nov. 19, his 80th birthday, Ottley announced a “semi-retirement,” resigning his position as president and chief executive officer of Ottley Communications Corp., which operates as WSTA 1340-AM.”
Additionally, at the time, Ottley said he would continue hosting his popular show six days a week with his daughter, Ottley-Lewis, and his two granddaughters, Noelani and Olivia Lewis.
In an interview with the Daily News his daughter Ottley-Lewis said that her father’s decision to retire was simple, “it was time to let someone else take the mic.”
Adding, “My father will be deeply missed and I don’t know who will take his place,” she said. “But what I can say is, what he meant and has done for his community is one of the main reasons why it will be hard to replace him.”
The renowned commentator began his radio career as a teen with his own ham radio station. Since that time, he has held positions inside and outside the industry, including a term as lieutenant governor.
A year after hurricanes of Irma and Maria hit the territory in 2017, Ottley was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of the Virgin Islands for his service in the aftermath of disasters.
His daughter stated, “My father was very well known on the radio, and his constant activeness in the community is what made WSTA the people’s station, he had faithful listeners and he would want them to do what they can to help improve the community and to know that education is extremely important.”
He is remembered across the Virgin Islands for his wit, charm and iconic voice.
The owners, management and staff of CCT, BVI Cable TV and 284 Media extend condolences to the family, friend and colleagues of Athniel “Addie” Ottley.
More to come on his iconic life and contributions to Virgin Islands.