Stonewall Oates

Obituary For Stonewall Oates

Stonewall Oates

Mr. Stonewall Jackson Oates finished his course in transition to his resting place on Friday, May 20, 2022 at Atrium Health Cleveland Hospital in Shelby, NC. He was born on January 5, 1940 in Cleveland County, North Carolina and was the youngest son of the late Charles M. and Lucy Hunter Oates.

Stonewall was a Washington High School graduate of 1957 and served in the US Army. After high school, Stonewall moved to NY with his wife, Bettye Mae Wilson Oates. Out of this union, there were three children: Stonie Edward, Deborah Denise, and Bettina Renee’ Oates. Stonewall loved living in NY.

Stonewall was a member of Unity Baptist Tabernacle in NY and a member of Washington Missionary Baptist Church in NC, where he was a Deacon at both churches. He was devoted in outreach ministry: prison outreach, sick/shut-in visitations, and community service. Stonewall was best known for these three quotes: “Jesus is my best friend, Carry the Lord with you everywhere you go, and May God bless you and Heaven smile upon you.” He was an advent lover of television and Gospel and Western music.

Stonewall’s work ethic was impeccable, which made him a role model for his family. He drove an 18-wheeler for Coca-Cola and retired after 20 years. Before this, he was a mechanic at Argo-Buick. He also drove a taxicab for New York City. The Lord blessed Stonewall with the perfect retirement enabling him to travel and relocate back to his hometown.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Oates Jr., Samuel W. Oates, and Joseph Donald Oates; and three sisters, Barbara Oates Schenck, Idola Oates, and Rev. Dr. Virginia Oates Henderson.

Left to cherish his memory are his three children: Stonie Edward Oates (Cassandra) of Mt. Vernon, NY; Deborah Denise Oates of Waco, NC; and Bettina Renee’ Oates (Sherwin) of Kings Mountain, NC. Along with four grandchildren: Shantay Oates of NY, Timothy Marquese Norman of RI, Sean Norman of NC, and Taylor Ebonee’ Smith of NY. Two great-grandchildren: Ja’Quaye LaRon James of NY and Taevin Chaise Speights of NY. Two brothers-in-law: Will Wilson (Linda) and Wayne Wilson both of NC. Four sisters-in-law: Jeanette Oates of NC, Joanne Pritchard of NC, Lula Beard of NC, and Sherry Wilson of SC. Two special cousins/brothers, Clifton Oates II and James Webber; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. We appreciate Ms. Barbara Spikes and Ms. Kay Lawrence for the special care given to our beloved Stonewall.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Washington Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will take place at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Wednesday.

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