Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for Otho Thomas "O.T." Ware, 71, of Columbia, who passed away Monday, August 31, 2020 at Forrest General Hospital. The service will be officiated by Jerron Carney. Interment will be at Sharon Presbyterian Cemetery in Magee. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, September 4, 2020 at Hathorn Funeral Home.

Originally from Mize, O.T. was a long time resident of Columbia. He was lovingly married for 33 years. For three decades he served his community with distinction and honor as a Mississippi Highway Patrolman, retiring as Captain of Troop J on December 31, 2008. Prior to his career in law enforcement, O.T. toured the country as a bass player and vocalist in the Southern rock band Thunderhead. The group recorded an album and shared a stage with some of the most celebrated musicians of the time.

O.T. is remembered by his family and friends as a respected, curious, intelligent, witty, and loving man. He built large remote control airplanes and went on long motorcycle adventures with his friends. He was an amateur astronomer and a wonderful photographer. O.T. enjoyed fishing and boating and had a special affinity for tiny convertibles. Most of all, he enjoyed creating special moments for the people in his life. Exceedingly thoughtful and generous, he went above and beyond to make sure everyone in his presence felt welcome and enjoyed themselves.

Ware is preceded in death by his father, William G. Ware.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Thornhill Ware; his mother, Doris McAlpin of Magee; his two daughters, Jennifer Ware (Andr Phillips) of Somerville, MA, and Ariel Ware of Columbia; his brother, James Ware of Mize; his aunt, Catherine Pope of Madison; and his uncle, Truman Brown (Evelyn Brown) of Shreveport, LA.

Pallbearers will be Pat Green, Allan Thompson, Andr Phillips, Ronnie Dobbs, Hal Jones, and Samuel Landry.

Members of Troop J of the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Michael Ventimiglia, Bobby T. Torello, and Pat Rush, former members of the band Thunderhead, are recognized as honorary pallbearers.

The family asks that all guests observe COVID-19 safety guidelines by wearing face coverings and practicing social distancing whenever possible.
Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia is in charge of the arrangements. Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.hathornfuneralhome.com