Johnny Oliver Oates

Johnny Oliver Oates (Daddy to us) was born in Toxey, AL on December 1,1924 to Calvin Joshua and Millie Oates. He was the youngest of seven children-Claude, Mike, Grace, Edith, Ollie Florence, and C.J. Oates. He was raised a country boy on the farm. They said he was so spoiled-that he did not walk until his legs drug the ground because someone was always carrying him. He left home after graduating from Silas High School. He attended the University of Alabama and later joined the Navy during World War II. He was stationed in San Diego, CA where he met his wife Lydia (Mother to us) with whom he was married for almost 72 years. Nana said she had a boyfriend who was also in the Navy and a friend of Papa’s. This boyfriend was scheduled to take Mama to a dance and then had to work. He asked Daddy to stand in for him because Daddy was the only one he trusted to do so. And the rest as they say is history. Mama and Daddy married and had four gorgeous, smart, and wonderful children (modest also!)-Larry, Sharon, Ronny and Beth. They lived in Georgia for most of their married life where Papa worked for Transcontinental Gas Pipeline and retired as a corrosion engineer.

Daddy made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Savior when he was about thirty years old. He was kind and generous and was known for his charm, which he never lost even when his memory failed. He left behind the legacy of four children, eight grandchildren and soon to be twenty great grandchildren. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. 2 Timothy 4:7 says “I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Proverbs 20:6 says: Most men proclaim every one his own goodness, but a faithful man who can find? We are blessed to say WE DID! Matthew 25:23 says well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

He will be sorely missed but we know that he has only gone on ahead and we will be reunited with him in Heaven in the future. Until then…