Raul Ernesto Otalora-Gonzalez

Raul Ernesto Otalora-Gonzalez passed away in Pinellas County, Florida on November 26th, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Anapatricia Garcia Conteras, his children, Anamaria and David, and his brother German Otalora-Gonzalez.

Raul was born on November 16th, 1957, to Raul Otalora Sr and Graciela Gonzalez in Bogota Colombia. He became a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia where he met his future wife, Anapatricia. Raul and Anapatricia moved to the United States in 1987, spending their first years in Connecticut eventually settling in Georgia, where they lived for over 30 years, and more recently moving to Florida.

 Raul was known for his kindness and unwavering dedication to family, friends, and colleagues. He worked for Quail International for over 30 years as the Production Manager. As a Veterinarian, Raul loved animals; he especially loved dogs, but also tolerated the family cats and parrot.

Raul was a devoted father and husband, never missing a sporting event or concert, always ready to support his children and wife with his steady advice, outstanding handy-man skills, affectionate words, and a well-timed joke. Raul loved to make others laugh with his jokes and pranks. He had a wealth of stories from his many adventures in Colombia and traveling abroad. He was highly active in the Georgia community where he served in different capacities in the Airport Authority in Greene Co., the Steffen Thomas Museum of Arts in Buckhead, The Greene County Chamber of Commerce

Raul loved to travel and was always ready for new adventures and experiences. Among his many qualities was his ability to face and resolve any challenge, not only with family and friends but also throughout his professional life. He became a private pilot, and flying was one of his most favorite pastimes. In addition to airplanes, Raul was fond of all toys, tractors, motorcycles and four wheelers that he enjoyed riding with his son, David, on the racetrack he built on the family farm. He also enjoyed taking his family out on the boat in Lake Oconee, Georgia; in recent years he graduated to the St. Joseph Sound surrounding Tarpon Springs where he enjoyed the wildlife and the sunsets of Florida.

Raul rose to any challenge life brought him with determination and good humor. Raul was selfless in his dedication and support of others. He will be deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at Holloway Funeral Home in Oldsmar, Florida on the 3rd of December at 4pm.

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