Mr. Vera (Ricky) Ricardo Oates departed this life on Friday, September 17th, 2021 with his family at his bedside. Ricky was born on February 25th, 1961 to William McKinley and Addie Mae Warren Oates of Barton, Alabama.
He was united in holy matrimony to Crystal Althea Rutland-Oates on June 12, 1985. They were married for 36 years. Born to this union were two children, Janeczka Rakia Oates and Justin Ricardo Oates.
Ricky graduated from Cherokee Vocational High School in 1979. He was a three sport athlete playing basketball, baseball and running track for the Tribe. During his high school career, he led the basketball team to the regional playoffs for three consecutive years averaging 23 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocked shots. During his junior and senior seasons, Ricky was first team All-State, Prep All-American and played in the All-Star Game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was chosen the MVP of the All-Star Game and won the first dunk contest held in conjunction with the game against the famous, Charles Barkley. He was also selected the Times Daily Player of the year in 1977-78 and 1978-79. Following high school, he was signed to a basketball scholarship by Calhoun Community College averaging 20 points and 12 rebounds while receiving All-American honors. After two years with the Warkawks, he signed with the University of Alabama in Huntsville helping to lead them to the NAIA National Championships in Kansas City, Missouri.
After graduating with Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Alabama in Huntsville in 1984, Ricky flourished his career in the car industry as a car salesman, sales manager, finance manager and general sales manager at various dealerships for over 30 years. His career ended a few years ago when he was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma Cancer.
His wife, children, granddaugher and friends lovingly called him Honey, Daddy, Dad, Papa, Big Rick, Rico and Big Daddy. Ricky was a devoted father and grandfather. His entire life was centered on his wife, children, and granddaughter. He was always there to provide support and advice to anyone in need, always offering an encouraging word. As a Freemason Brother of Morning Star No. 50 PHA, he contributed to numerous charitable events. His favorite hobbies were hunting, fishing, and spending time with family especially his granddaughter.
Ricky preceded in death by his mother and father, William McKinley and Addie Mae Warren Oates, his brothers, Vennis (Buffalo) Minoso Oates, Warren Geise Oates and William (Bill) McKinley Oates, Jr.
Left to cherish his loving memories are: wife, Crystal Althea Rutland Oates; one daughter, Janeczka Rakia Oates, Madison, AL; one son, Justin Ricardo Oates, New Market, AL; one granddaughter, Zoey Maria Oates, New Market, AL; three brothers, Clifford Bolden (Gwendolyn) Oates, Sam Benedict Oates and Shawn Darryl Oates. In addition, there are a host of family and friends that he cared for dearly.
At the request of the family all services will be held private. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.valhallafunerals.com__;!!M2D_dUfSiN4E!beqaWwbOBKX-tRHWVCIPjt41d_-eSh3PWSvyDzZo4E9L4ps7N503jqAmk_pP871QXpn7quATvOhT$ [valhallafunerals[.]com] for the Oates family.
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