Corry Oakes III of OTO Development dies at 55. Spartanburg mourns loss of 'industry titan'

Corry W. Oakes III, co-founder and CEO of Spartanburg-based OTO Development and former chairman of the Wofford College Board of Trustees, is being remembered as a successful businessman and family man who poured his heart into making Spartanburg a better place.

"Corry was a beloved leader and a dear friend to so many in our community and our industry," Todd Turner, co-founder and vice president of real estate at OTO Development, said in a statement. "His impact on our lives is as immeasurable as the grief we feel and the love for him and his family."

Oakes, 55, died unexpectedly Sunday, leaving behind his wife Amy and their three daughters Ashley, Elizabeth and Lauren.

Corry W. Oakes III:Read Corry W. Oakes III obituary

The J.M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday in the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium, 601 Cummings Street, Spartanburg. A reception will immediately follow.

Oakes, Turner and Jim Ovenden founded OTO Development lodging chain alongside George Dean Johnson Jr. and the late H. Wayne Huizenga in May 2004.

OTO Development is part of The Johnson Group of Spartanburg.

"Corry was more than just the consummate professional and leader in the lodging industry. He was a tremendous community servant, a mentor to all he worked with, a loving father and family man, and a most trusted adviser on so many different levels to our family," stated George Dean Johnson Jr., chairman of the board of Johnson Development Associates.

Oakes was a native of Lawrenceville, Georgia, and moved to the Upstate in 1985 to attend Wofford College, where he played outside linebacker for the Terriers.

After earning a bachelor's degree in business economics, he held roles in Johnson's WJB Blockbuster Video and was president and chief operating officer of Extended Stay America hotel chain. OTO Development was founded the same day ESA was sold to Blackstone.

Oakes was a member of Wofford's Terrier Club Board of Directors, President's Advisory Board and Wofford College Board of Trustees from 2009 to 2021. He served as chairman of Wofford's Board of Trustees from 2019 to 2021.

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"Corry's impact on our community will stretch far beyond the 37 years he's been a Terrier," stated Wofford College President Nayef Samhat. "He was a champion for student success, dedicated to the educational mission, and we will always remember his commitment, generosity and love for Wofford College."

Memorials may be made to Wofford College for the Corry W. Oakes III Endowed Scholarship Fund, c/o Wofford College Advancement Office, 429 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303; or to the charity of one's choice.

Reactions from Spartanburg business, civic leaders 

Local business and civic leaders reacted to Oakes' death:

► "Corry was an industry titan, but the real measure of his success was his care and concern for people and community. He was an encourager, compassionate leader and lover of all things Spartanburg." – Allen Smith, president and CEO of OneSpartanburg, Inc.

► "I will remember Corry for his warm handshake and knowing nod of support, it always meant so much. Corry was committed to quiet and generous community philanthropy, particularly when those efforts were in support of his employees who were affected by hardship." – Troy Hanna, president and CEO of Spartanburg County Foundation

► "Corry's passing is a severe blow to our community. As a business leader, job creator and engaged citizen, he was quite special. His leadership at Wofford, in the lodging industry and innumerous civic endeavors will be sorely missed." – former Spartanburg Mayor Bill Barnet

► "Corry was a stalwart champion for Spartanburg. He was a catalyst and visionary for downtown progress and a great steward of our institutions. The strong company he built and the many lives he touched will ensure his positive impact on this community lasts long after his passing." – Chris Story, Spartanburg City Manager

► "The Oakes family and our family have been very close as we have seen our kids grow up together through the Spartanburg Day School and beyond. Corry was an awesome father, husband, friend and businessman." – Jack McBride, CEO of Contec Inc.

► "Corry lived a life in service to his family, the community he loved and the OTO team. He always gave the best of his time and his talents to others. As a gifted listener and leader, he elevated every encounter to a memorable and affirming event." – Halsey Cook, CEO of Milliken & Company

Contact Bob Montgomery at bob.montgomery@shj.com. Please support our coverage of Spartanburg County with a digital subscription.