Mr. Joseph Donald Oates, 82, formerly of Shelby, NC passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at Atrium Health-Union in Monroe, NC. He was born on June 1, 1937 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Charles and Lucy Hunter Oates.

Mr. Joseph Donald Oates of Monroe, NC transitioned from this life for his heavenly home on February 26, 2020 at Atrium Health Union in Monroe, NC. He was born on June 1, 1937 in Shelby, NC to the late Charles M. and Lucy Hunter Oates.

Mr. Oates graduated from Washington High School and served in the US Air Force. He grew up in the Washington Community and was a former member of Washington Baptist Church.He was an active member of Restoration Outreach Church in Monroe, NC under the leadership of Pastor Eddie Williams until his health declined. He enjoyed serving his church family. He also enjoyed westerns, sports - especially boxing and baseball, playing cards, bingo, solving puzzles, and laughing. He truly loved quartet music! But most of all, he said he "loved Pam, Peggy, Donna, his grands, and his great grands!"

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Oates Jr. and Samuel W. Oates; and two sisters, Barbara Oates Schenck and Idola Oates.

Left to cherish his memory are three daughters, Pamela Oates Guyton (Joseph) of Kings Mountain, NC, Peggy Oates and Donna Oates, both of Charlotte, NC; former wife, Jeanette Montgomery Oates of Kings Mountain, NC; one brother, Stonewall Oates of Shelby, NC; one sister, Dr. Virginia Oates of Charlotte, NC; three grandsons, Jacobi Oates and Joel Guyton of Kings Mountain, NC, and Jordan Guyton of Huntsville, AL; three great grandchildren, Josiah Guyton, Peyton Lewis, and Izzabella Blanton; special friends like family, Evelyn and Larry Carelock of Monroe, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 2:30 PM at Washington Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will take place at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until 2:30 PM on Tuesday and at other times at 113 Raven Drive, Kings Mountain, NC. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.