Charles Henry Oates

Charles Henry Oates, known as “Big O and Papa Charlie”, was born on May 23, 1943, to the late Martin Van Oates and Patty M. Goodloe Oates of She eld, Alabama. He departed this life on Monday June 24, 2024.

He accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church of Florence, Alabama under the leadership of Reverend Dr. G. E. Nelson. He was an active
member of the youth department, where he served as an Usher and drummer for the youth choir. Charles attended Sterling School in She eld, Alabama for first third grades. After the the family relocated to Florence, he attended W.C. Handy Elementary School for grades fourth- sixth. He graduated from Burrell Slater High School, with the class of 1961.

He was an avid Musician and was the drummer with several local bands, including the Soul Brothers Band, and Jerry Weaver and the Blue Aces – Managed by Leonard Skipworth.

Charles worked at the University of North Alabama, as a driver for Graham and Sons Piano, and several taxi companies in the area. He was a proud driver for the Meals on Wheels Program and delivered meals to sick and shut in families in the area. This was sponsored by the Burrell Slater Alumni Association.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Annie B. Oates Owes, Ruby Stean Oates Martin, Carliss Oates Carroll; two brothers, John Calvin Oates and Simon Oates; and one daughter, Sophie Beckwith.

He leaves to cherish his memories a devoted companion, Ella Stevenson; four daughters, Teresa Oates Roach, Regina Oates, Tatia Oates, and Brinae Weakly; two sons, Jeremy McDaniel,
Sr. (Kandis) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Zarcarro Smith of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, YaKenya (Rod) Gunn, Tyler Stovall, Kianna Oates, Tatiana Oates, Jeremy McDaniel Jr., Jaidyn McDaniel, Ja’Niyah McDaniel, and Jordyn Wilkins; sisters, Betty Oates Shamblee and Jeanette Oates Armond; John Earl Goodloe (raised as a brother), and Sam Pendleton (who referred to him as his little brother); and host of great- grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Henry Oates, please visit our floral store.