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Harold Oates Obituary
Born of the Great Depression, Harold's character epitomized that of this country's Greatest Genera-tion. A native of Gaston County, Harold was the son of the late John Reid and Lula Pressley Oates. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Anita Oates, and brother, Ken-neth Pressley Oates.
Harold was a lifelong member of Crowders Creek Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church where he served terms as both Deacon and Elder. He was a graduate of Bethany School class of 1946 and served in the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War Era.
Harold began his career in the office supply business at Shelby Printing Co. and later served as man-ager for the O. G. Penegar Company, but the dairy farm where he was raised remained his passion. Along with entrepreneur and friend Jack Grier, Harold raised and sold the best silver queen corn Gaston County ever tasted. He later ventured into wheat and soybean production with partner Samuel Craw-ford.
Harold represented Gaston County by serving as a board member and later elected vice president of the Rutherford Electric Membership Corporation from 1982 to 2011.
Harold is survived by his dedicated and loving wife of 59 years, Mildred Hopper Oates; daughter and son-in-law, Ginny and David Styers; brother and sister-in-law Glenn and Betty Oates; sister-in-law, Eve-lyn B. Oates all of Gastonia, NC; granddaughter, Caroline Styers; and grandson, David Reid Styers.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Crowders Creek A.R.P. Church with the Rev. Charles B. Ev-ans III officiating.
Interment will be in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Crowders Creek A. R. P. Church, 207 Crowders Creek Church Road, Gastonia, NC 28052 or
Hospice of Gaston County, P. O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054.
M. L Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Clover, SC is serving the family of Mr. Oates.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mlfordsons.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harold Oates
1 Entry
Kim Goodwin Templeman
June 27, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Harold was such a kind and gentle soul, I know that he will be missed by many.
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M.L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home209 North Main Street P.O. Box 68, Clover, SC 29710
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