Joseph Henry Oates

Funeral services for Mr. Joseph Henry Oates will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 13, 2024, in the Chapel of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, with Reverend Todd Strain officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Ball, under the direction of Rush Funeral Home, Pineville.
Mr. Oates, 82, of Pineville, entered eternal rest on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, Alexandria, LA.
In 1960, Joe married the love of his life, Audie Lee Mayeaux, and together they embarked on a journey that would take them across Louisiana, a short stay in Mobile, Alabama, and then onto Marksville, Louisiana. While in Marksville, Joe and Audie opened a Shipley's Donut shop, with Joe as the primary baker and cake decorator. He shared many stories about the hours he spent baking and decorating cakes. After leaving Marksville, they returned to central Louisiana, building a life in Pineville with their four children.
Joe was a devoted father, spending countless hours at the ballpark coaching his children and instilling in them a strong work ethic and love of sports. But his dedication extended far beyond the field - he made sure his children were raised in the church, learning the teachings of Jesus Christ, which were the foundation of Joe's life.
Joe's compassion knew no bounds. He had a deep love for animals, especially his horses and beloved dog, Malinka. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons, and took great joy in teaching his grandchildren how to ride horses while passing on his own love of the outdoors. Joe also had a love for his Coca-Cola collection. He would buy and sell Coca-Cola products and even had a few antique working Coca-Cola machines. Another past time Joe enjoyed was riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle.
Joe was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were filled with wisdom, love, and unwavering faith. He spent many years going door-to-door, sharing the gospel and helping to build struggling churches alongside his dear friends, Earl and Leonard.
Throughout his career, Joe worked as a sales representative for various companies, including Neo Fabrics and Southwest Keystone. From 2008- 2020 Joe served as a physician liaison for STAT Home Health. He took pride in his job and all of the doctors office staff loved him. He never missed a day of work and he always had on a suit and tie while representing STAT. Joe and Audie also owned their own business, C&R Enterprises, always providing for his family with integrity and dedication.
Joe's legacy lives on through his four children and their spouses; his cherished grandchildren; and the countless lives he touched through his unwavering faith, kindness, and commitment to serving others. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit of love, compassion, and devotion to Christ will continue to inspire all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Audie Lee Oates; and his parents, Robert Oates and Elsie Louise Smith.
Those left to mourn his loss and cherish his memory include two sons, Richard Oates (Joni) of Pineville, and Craig Oates (Sandi) of Crescent City, Florida; two daughters, Charlotte Oates Smith (Marty) of Pineville, and Khristi Oates of Pineville; four grandsons, Richard Oates, Jr., Davis Oates, Westin Oates, and Jeremy Randolph; five granddaughters, MacKenzie Carter (Alex), Kennady Speir, Kelsie Guillott, Amanda Waters (Jason), and Casey Beach (Daniel); one great grandson, Jason Waters, Jr.; three great granddaughters, Hailey Waters, Marlee Elliott, and Sadie Belgard; one brother, Robert Oates (Trudy) of Cabot, Arkansas; one sister, Elsie Marie Smith of Deville; and special niece, Tammy Lynn Hall (Bob).
A time of visitation will be held at Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.
Honored to serve as pallbearers are: Richard Oates, Craig Oates, Rich Oates, Davis Oates, Wes Oates, Marty Smith, and Bob Hall.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Kayla and the team at STAT Home Health and Cabrini 6th floor nurses and staff for the care provided for Mr. Joe.
Donations in honor of Joe can be made to Alzheimer Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001.
Friends may post online messages of condolences for the Oates family by visiting www.rushfh.com