Otto Willard DeBruhl
June 18, 1934 ~ January 17, 2016
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
On the afternoon of January 17, 2016, Otto Willard DeBruhl passed from this life to be with our Lord. He was surrounded and comforted by his family at The Brian Center in Weaverville, North Carolina at the time of his passing. He was 81 years old.
Otto was born on June 18, 1934 in Buncombe County to the late Frank Marion DeBruhl and the late Annie Lee Capps DeBruhl. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, Otto lived in the Erwin Hills area with his wife of 58 years, Jacqueline "Jackie" Lunsford DeBruhl.
Mr. DeBruhl graduated from Red Oak High School in Buncombe County, North Carolina. He was a graduate of the Lee Institute of Real Estate and also a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Human Relations course. He studied at the Institute of Government in Chapel Hill where he went on to teach courses for Judicial Ethics. He received the Certificate of Award for Advanced Training from the Institute of Government in 1977 and in 1989. He was also a Certified Notary Public Instructor at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
Otto began his career as a self-employed businessman. He was owner/operator for fifteen years of B&J Body Shop, while also being a licensed real estate broker. He later presided over the Small Claims Civil Court Division of the General Court of Justice as a Magistrate Judge from 1970-1978. Through his contributions to serving the county of Buncombe he was appointed in February 1978, by the County Executive Committee to fill the unexpired term of the late Register of Deeds. He was elected to this post in 1980 and then went on to be re-elected seven more consecutive times. While serving as Register of Deeds, he had multiple other positions of service for the State Association of Register of Deeds. He was twice elected District Chairman. Mr. DeBruhl was a member of the Legislative and Executive Committees, former member of the Finance Committee, Program Chairman in 1981, Chairman of the Legislative Committee for District 1, 1986 and 1987. Appointed Secretary to the Association 1988 and Treasurer to the Association in 1989. He served as the President of the North Carolina Association of Register of Deeds from 1991 to 1992; which resulted in his being awarded North Carolina's Outstanding Register of Deeds in 1987 for his leadership in legislation upgrading land records statewide. He served as North Carolina representative to the International Association of IACREOT. He is also a former member of the State Land Record Management Advisory Committee.
Other notable positions of service were President of the North Carolina Magistrates Association in 1975, Board of Directors of the North Carolina Magistrates Association. He was appointed by the North Carolina General Assembly Speaker of the House to serve as a member of a Study Commission to implement the North Carolina Criminal Code Procedure. As well as being appointed by the North Carolina General Assembly Speaker of the House to serve on the State Infrastructure Needs and Local Government Study Commission. In 1975 he was appointed to a Legislative Research Commission of the Administration of Criminal Procedures until 1977.
Otto was the most respected and longest serving Register of Deeds in the history of Buncombe County and was known as "Mr. D" throughout the state.
Otto was the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions throughout his tenure including the "Order of the Long Leaf Pine" by Governor Mike Easley in 2008. In 2006, he received the "Mountain Democrat of the Year" award from the 11th Congressional District. In 2007, he received "The Chair's Award" from the North Carolina Democratic Party in recognition of his service to the State Party. In 1998, he received the "Roy A. Taylor Award" for outstanding service to the 11th Congressional District Young Democrats and the Democrat Party. In 1990 he was presented the "Eunice Ayers Distinguished Service Award" by the Association. In 1987, The Buncombe County Bar Association recognized him for modernization and cost saving measures he implemented since taking office. Also in 1987, he was selected "Outstanding Register of Deeds" by the North Carolina County Commissioners Association.
In 1989, he successfully petitioned the Buncombe County Commissioners to amend the County Seal from the words "Men to Match Our Mountains" to "People to Match Our Mountains" which the County Seal still reads today.
A lifelong Democrat, he formerly served as President of the Buncombe County Democratic Men's Club. He was a charter member of the Democratic Men's Club and is an honorary member of the Board of Directors.
Civic activities included are a former member of the Old Buncombe Genealogical Society Board of Directors; he served on the Advisory Committee for the Erwin High School District and was also a former member of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.
His priorities were his Faith, Family, Love of his Country and "His" Democrat Party.
Otto was loved by all whose lives he touched. There has never been a more caring, giving and generous man. He was the "Go To" person in the courthouse where he helped countless citizens with resolving minor and major problems during his 38 years of public service. His caring nature to serve is what truly defines him. It did not matter which party you were registered for when someone came to him for help. Only, that he was going to do whatever he could to help.
Otto was preceded in death by his mother Annie Lee Capps DeBruhl, father Frank Marion DeBruhl, brothers Paul DeBruhl and Hilliard DeBruhl along with his sister Pauline DeBruhl Rice, nephew, Dean Rice and special brother-in-law Maurice "Mike" Lunsford.
Otto is survived by his wife Jacqueline "Jackie" Lunsford DeBruhl of the home, daughters Tammy DeBruhl of Asheville, Robin DeBruhl Fisher of Alexander and son, David DeBruhl and wife Debbie of Asheville. Grandchildren, Joshua Fisher and wife Tiffany of Alexander, Chelsey Fisher of Alexander, Jacob DeBruhl and Kayla DeBruhl of Asheville. Great-grandchildren, Holden Fisher and Neely Fisher of Alexander. Brother-in-Law and Sister-in-law, Ronnie and Betty Jean Lunsford of Marion, Sister-in law, Diane Lunsford of Asheville. And Copper. He also has numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at Trinity Baptist Church of Asheville, 216 Shelburne Rd., Asheville, NC 28806. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be a private ceremony for the family at Riverview Church Cemetery.
The funeral service will be live streamed at tbcasheville.org.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to MANNA Foodbank, 627 Swannanoa River Rd., Asheville, NC 28805, and/or to ABCCM, 30 Cumberland Ave., Asheville, NC 28801.
Special thanks to all the caregivers and the outpouring of support our family has received during this time.
Chief, we will miss you dearly.
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Sorry to hear of Otto’s passing. Great man and I will cherish our many conversations we had on the courthouse steps. Bless you all at this time. Prayers for healing hearts.
Otto you were A great gentleman & I was pleased to know you through my life.
Otto was one of a kind. Always willing to sit down and talk with anyone, help when he could, and was one of the most loyal people I have ever know in my life. A man of the people who will be missed. Our family prayers are with him and the DeBruhl family tonight.
Becky and family:
So sorry to hear of Otto’s passing. He was ‘Uncle Otto’ to all of us when we were with Becky at his house, the ballfield, or wherever and he was just one of the most wonderful people I’ve ever met. May God bless each of you with peace and comfort.
This man, what a man. When I read the news, my heart sank. I remember when I first met Otto, so warm, so welcoming and always remembered me when we saw each other. He would always ask Ed, ‘when are you going to marry this girl?’ To the family, my heart is sad and is broken for you. I know how hard this type of loss is and there are no words. Just love……
Otto was an extraordinary man who loved ordinary people. Anyone who met him came away knowing they had made a friend. He was a wonderful servant to his community and state, just knowing him was a blessing. I will miss him as many others. Rest in peace dear friend.
Mrs. Jackie, I am so sorry to read of the loss of your husband. He left a beautiful legacy. May those precious memories ease your heart. Always rely on the God of all comfort.
I appreciate the hospitality Otto provided as I considered running for Register of Deeds in 2003. He had considerable experience and welcomed me over to visit. That time was considerably helpful as I prepared to run. He made a difference in my life at a very important time. I’ve served as register since 2004. My thoughts and prayers to the family during this time of remembrance and loss.
Prayers of comfort for the entire family. He was a wonderful man and loved by many.
He was a great man, Otto, will be missed. Very helpful at the courthouse, taking his time out to help. God has gained an Angel. May God Bless His Family, memories, I will cherish.
Otto and family, while we have known you for only a brief time, we came to care for and appreciate your special caring for family, friends,and community.
We will miss you Otto. It was our great pleasure to be among your care-givers during your last months with us. God be with you and family until we all meet again. Our very best regards, Alice and Chris Brown
Otto was a great man with such warmth and generosity. He welcomed me to Asheville when I moved up here from the Piedmont in 2001. I told him I knew Buncombe County had too many people already but I hoped he wouldn’t mind me coming. He said ‘We always need more Democrats!’ and that was that. I am lucky to have known him.
Farewell to my great friend and mentor Otto DeBruhl. Only you and I know of the many ways you helped me since I arrived in Asheville in 1995…….never asking for any acknowledgement other than my friendship in return…… Many thanks to you my friend……
Dear family,
So sorry for the loss of this great man to all of us that new him and your family that cherished him. He was always such a friend to me and I am so pleased to have known him during my life. May God grant you comfort and peace during this time of grief.
I shall miss u.. Prayers be with your family
So very sad to learn of the death of Otto DeBruhl. He was a wonderful public servant who would go above and beyond to assist. He will be remembered for his faithful service to Buncombe County, to so many individuals and the Democrat party. Rest in Peace, Otto.
Dear Robin and Family, My heart breaks for you as you deal with this huge loss of such a kind and generous man. He helped everybody who ever needed it and did it with a smile. I will be praying for peace and understanding during this difficult time. My love to all.
To the Debruhl Family, I am so very sorry for the loss of Otto. He was my mentor since I served with him as Haywood County Register of Deeds from 1994 to 2009. I could always pick up the phone and he would answer all my questions about the office.He was instrumental is getting our pension which I now draw each month.He was a proud democrat and loved to serve the people of Buncombe County.He was loved by all and he will be truly missed. Rest in Peace my Friend.
Robin and David, Sorry to hear about your Dad. What a legacy he leaves behind in his long time devotion and service to Buncombe County! He also leaves such spirit and life in both of you. Your challenge will be to continue to do as he did, to reach out to others with an infectious smile and a true appreciation for life! Blessings to the DeBruhl family.
Bob and I were so sorry to hear of Mr. Debruhl ‘ s death. He was a wonderful gentleman. All of you are in our prayers as you deal with his passing from this earth. Love,
Bob and Tammy
What a wonderful life. Prayers to all of his loving family.
Jackie, Tammy, Robin and David….May God’s love give you peace, comfort and strength during this difficult time. Otto was the most generous, kind, and loving person. He was a good friend to our parents and our lives are better having known him. I always ‘looked him up’ every time I went to the Register of Deeds and he’d stop what he was doing, take me to his office and we’d have a catch up session. Little did he know how much that meant to me. Prayers are with you all. Love, Joyce, Angie & Brenda Hyatt
I am saddened to hear of Otto’s passing. There was a time when any Democrat considering a run for elected office would seek Otto’s blessing. He was, after all, the longest serving county office holder in Buncombe. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Otto was a fantastic man, my heart goes out to you Jackie. He will surely be sadly missed. Heaven gained another angel.
So sad to hear! What an incredible person and friend. I don’t believe he ever met a stranger and welcomed everyone with a huge hug!! I know that my Mom and Dad (John and Jeanette Fisher) thought the world of him too.
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. DeBruhl’s passing. He was one of a kind.
To all the Debruhl family, may God’s presence of peace, love, & comfort surround you all during this time of great loss. It was an honor to meet him and to see how many people loved, honored and respected him.
Another champion of the people passes from among us. Service, courage, and love of the people will require new blood to fill these big shoes.
Sending prayers for God’s grace and mercy to be with all of Otto’s family at this time of sadness.
Otto was always very kind and solicitous every time that I ran into him at the courthouse. He will be missed by many.
Otto was a true Southern gentleman that was the first to help others in need and never ask anything in return. He was the Captain of the team in so many ways. There will never be another Political machine in this area that could accomplish what Otto has done over the years.My heart and prayers go out to the whole family for their loss of this great man.
We are sorry for your loss. Otto was a well respected man who did an outstanding job serving our county. I loved working the Emma poll when he ran for re-election. I enjoyed hearing his stories….Otto will be missed!
God bless you all,
Chip and Kim Plemmons
It was an honor to be his nurse. I will have many fond memories of him.
Sincere Condolences To The DeBruhl Family,
I hope you have peace, comfort and strength to face the days ahead. And loving memories to carry you through this sad time.
With Peace and Loving-Kindness,
Jackie and Family: My sympathy to each of you in the loss of Otto. He was a valuable and respected citizen of Buncombe County serving as Register of Deeds for so many years. I pray that as time goes by, cherished memories will help bring you inner peace, and make your loved one seem still very close to you. May the memories that mean the most to you live forever in your heart.
Such a fine man. Such a huge loss. He was always happy to share his time and his sage advice. He helped so many in so many ways. I will miss him. My deepest condolences to the family.
Prayers and much love,such a wonderful man
I visited the Register of Deeds office many times and Otto was always helpful and was always friendly. So sorry for your loss and pray God will grant peace during this time for the family.
DearFamily,
My deepest sympathy to each of you. Otto was one of the finest most humble men, I ever had the honor of knowing and working with. He was always there for anyone who needed his help. May God’s love and peace surround you during this sad time. Please know that there are so many hurting with you as we bid farewell to such a fine human being. There will never be another like him. Otto will live forever in our thoughts and memories.
Thank you for all you did for family .
Loved seeing you at Brian Center.You will be missed.
So Sorry for the huge loss to your family
My condolences to Jackie and family. He will certainly be missed. He will be remembered for the kind, generous person he was. I loved him like a brother.i always looked forward to seeing him whenever I visited Asheville, my home.
Otto, I will always miss you, especially on election day, in front of Emma Elementary School. You always were one of my favorite people. I will never forget you.
TO ROBIN AND FAMILY. I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF SUCH A GOOD MAN AND FRIEND. OTTO WAS INDEED A GREAT MAN AND DURING THE TIME WE WORKED IN THE SAME BUILDING HE WAS ALWAYS SO PLESANT AND NICE. HE WILL SURELY BE MISSED. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU TO CARRY YOU AT THIS TIME.
I am so sorry to here about Otto’s passing
He was a very sweet man and a good friend
Sincerely, Barbara Lanning
David, Debbie and kids,
You are in our prayers!
Love to you,
From,
Rickie & Missy Harper and family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Otto was a special person to many of us. You are in my prayers. Again I would like to say he was so special to many people and will always be fondly remembered
Family, my sympathy for the loss of you dear loved one. I had the privilege of knowing and working with Otto from time to time many years ago. My own dear father, Arnold Robinson, thought highly of Otto and with great respect. They worked together at times in the Democratic Party prior to the ’80’s. Otto has touched many lives by his generosity and willingness to help others. He’s made many friends and impacted many lives. May God’s grace be with you during this difficult time of grieving, now and in the days to come.
Otto was a wonderful man and an asset to Buncombe County. I appreciated his assistance in matters of land titles for two and a half decades. He will be missed by many. May God’s peace be with the family in the difficult days ahead.
Jackie and family, so sad to learn of the death of Otto. Otto was a man of generosity and warmth and will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was such a big help to me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Peggy DeBruhl Black and Boyd.
He may not have known just how much he help me in my time of need nor did he have to do anything for me whatsoever but, he was ask and he saw the need in this ol boys life so being the Quite, caring gentleman he was he did.
Thanks Otto
Sorry for your loss
Tammy,Robyn, David and Mom
Praying for the families of Otto DeBruhl. He was such a nice man and an asset to the Buncombe County community. May God comfort your hearts during the passing days.
To the family of this prince of a man, I would have been there today for his service if we had not awoken to four inches of snow on our long driveway here in the high country. I wanted you to know that of all the people who helped me in 1994\’s congressional race, Otto was the one who gave me courage and comfort when I most needed it. The year following, he remained by my side. His warm, gracious heart AND his political savy were a remarkable combination – AND he was a great public servant all at the same time. That we all could serve our county and country as he did. May God bless you in these days of loss, and may we all remember well Otto\’s great legacy.
We’re so sorry for your loss. He was a fine man.
We have lost a great man who did much for many and no one ever knew. Farewell sir. Prayers for the family and many friends.
To the family of Otto DeBruhl Sorry for the loss of your loved one. May you rely on the God of comfort Jehovah and all your beautiful memories to sustain you. Isaiah 41:10 provides comfort. Beautiful and touching video it was very nice.
I’m sorry for the loss of your loved one. Otto was such an interesting and supportive person. We will all miss him.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. Otto was a wonderful person and a true friend of mine. He was always so very helpful to me during my years as Register of Deeds. He will be truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I am sorry for your loss and to hear of Otto’s passing.
We have lost a great man. I always admired Otto and no matter where you saw him he was ready to talk to you. He helped me a lot when I went to the Register of Deed. He will be missed. I will be praying for the family.
Jackie & Family:
We were so saddened to hear of Otto’s passing. We have lost a wonderful person but our heavenly Father has received him with open arms. Otto was
always there for us anytime we needed help. We thought of Otto as family.
We often referred to him as ‘Uncle Otto’.. He was liked and loved by many.
Jackie, you and your family are in our prayers and may God be with you
during your time of sorrow.
I did not know Otto but have heard outstanding things about him in the past three years serving as Register of Deeds. In reading his obit, it seems he achieved many accomplishments for himself and others. I would like to extend my sympathy to the family during your time of loss.
Our hearts and prayers go out for the entire DeBruhl family at your loss. Really honored to have met and been around Otto the few times that I was. I know my father was very proud to have him as a friend. We love and miss all of you.
Uncle Otto I loved you dearly,I’ll miss you until we meet again In Heaven,sincerely your nephew Mark Davis