Oscar Ray Stotts

Oscar Ray Stotts of Lakeland, FL passed away at the age of 78 on December 9, 2025, after a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer. He slipped away peacefully with loved ones by his side.

Oscar was born in Pittsburg, KS and raised in Cherokee, KS before marrying his high school sweetheart, Sharon Trisler, and starting a family. Oscar started working in retail with S.H. Kress & Co. before joining Walmart in 1973. Working directly with Sam Walton for many years, Oscar’s career moved him and his family across Kansas, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Missouri before finally settling in Lakeland, FL in 1985. He opened many Walmart stores across FL before retiring in 1998.

Oscar was a brother, father, grandfather and mentor to many. He was a careered executive whose colleagues believed he bled blue for Walmart. He was feared and loved by most and respected by all. Oscar was a local high school basketball star in Kansas in the 1960’s. He was married for nearly 60 years and always put family first. Oscar had a love for travel, and he and his wife explored most of the United States in their many motor homes and 90 countries together over the years. Oscar defied the odds in so many areas of his life, as he did with his battle with cancer.

Oscar is survived by his daughter Michelle Stotts-Gillespie and daughter-in-law Yvette Stotts-Gillespie of Lakeland, FL; son Jon Stotts and daughter-in-law Lisa Stotts of Tampa, FL; daughter Kristina Unwin and son-in-law Jon Unwin of Dallas TX; grandchildren Nick, Annie, Oliver, Henry, Jack, Maggie and Sam; and siblings Charles (Brenda) Stotts of Joplin, MO; Elizabeth Stotts of Mcune KS and Dale (Linda) Stotts of Tulsa, OK.

Oscar was preceded in death by his wife Sharon Stotts, daughter Jeanna Stotts, father Raymond Stotts and mother Lorene Stotts of Pittsburg, KS.

For the wake and funeral services please wear Jimmy Buffett resort casual attire. A visitation service will be held at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 South Ingram Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801 on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and a memorial service will be held at Heath Funeral Chapel on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10 a.m., followed by graveside services at Oak Hill Burial Park, 4620 U.S. Highway 98 South, Lakeland, FL 33812. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to the American Lung Association at www.lung.org.