Otis Don Linley

Otis D. Linley Sr., 77, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on March 6, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born on September 12, 1948, in Amarillo to Admiral and Grace Linley, he grew up in Childress, Texas, where he attended school and played football. He cherished the friendships formed there and took great pleasure in attending class reunions throughout his life.

Otis worked for Burlington Northern for 30 years before retiring. He found joy in his dogs, mud racing, and traveling to support his children and grandchildren at races, where he was affectionately known as “Big O.” He also loved boating with his family and maintained a lifelong passion for classic cars, whether restoring them or simply owning them. In the past year, he and his wife Cindy began restoring old Ford pickups together, a project he was unable to finish due to health challenges.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Admiral and Grace Linley; his sister, Sylvia Artis; his brothers, Dewey Linley, Dan Linley, and J.R. Trigg; and his best friend, Mike Brown of Childress.

Otis is survived by his loving wife of 18 years, Cindy Linley; his children, Otis Linley Jr. and wife Karen of Amarillo, Jenny Rebecca Linley and Anthony of Tulia, and Tammy and Montie Glisson of Missouri; and his stepson, Bobby Ellena and wife Sara of Lubbock. He is also survived by nine grandchildren—Nishia, Kacie, Sawyer and husband Cooper Bilbery, Morgan, Stefani, Jessica, Johnathan, Eddie, and Joey—and 20 great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his deep love of family, his enthusiasm for racing and classic cars, and the many friendships he nurtured throughout his life.