Ricky Oates

OATES, Ricky, 70, lifelong resident of Prattville, Alabama, passed away on March 16, 2026.

Born on April 29, 1955, Ricky dedicated his life to his family and his community. He faithfully attended New Creation Church and loved his church family. Ricky worked for the City of Prattville for 42 years before retiring so he could focus on fighting his courageous 14-year battle with cancer. Even throughout his illness, if you saw Ricky out and about you would never know he was feeling bad. He always kept a positive spirit and enjoyed life.

Ricky loved riding horses, watching westerns, and especially enjoyed his yearly family vacation to Tennessee. He cherished spending time with his family and could always be found laughing and cutting up with them during family holiday gatherings.

Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, J.B. Oates and Frances Oates; his granddaughter, Hope Terrell; his brother, Jimmy Oates; and his sisters, JoAnn Hewitt and Doris Popham.

Ricky is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Diane Oates; his loving daughters, Tracy White (Jamie) and Tonya Terrell (Riley); his grandchildren, Josh White (Olivia), Steven White (Katie), and Lacey Terrell; and two great-grandchildren, Jozy White and Colton White. He is also survived by his brother, Joey Oates (Misty); sisters, Peggy Dennis, Betty Jean Hudgins, Myrtle Oates and Sheila Chance; brother-in-law Mike Taylor (Carla); along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Prattville Memorial Chapel with Pastor Ken Warren officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery with Prattville Memorial directing. The family will receive friends at Prattville Memorial Chapel one hour prior to the service.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Montgomery Cancer Center and the nurses who loved and cared for Ricky so much throughout his journey.

Pallbearers will be Jason Gentry, Travis Oates, Michael Uptain, John DeLoit, Clint Kirkland and Tim Osborne.

"Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts."