Kenneth Lee Oates

Edwards Small Mortuary announces with our deepest sympathy the passing of Kenneth Lee Oates on December 7, 2022.  We extend our condolences to the friends and family.

Rev. Kenneth Lee Oates was born May 9, 1960 in Fort Valley, Georgia. He graduated from Peach County High School in 1978. He was a dedicated husband, dad, son, brother, and friend. On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, he embarked upon God’s final journey for him at the age of 62.

 Reverend Oates received an Aircraft Structural Technology certificate from Central Georgia Technical College. He earned an Associate Degree in Informational Technology from Middle Georgia State University. Next, he enrolled in Ashford University and received a degree in Elementary Education. Additionally, he received a Diploma of Systematic Theology from United Christian Church and Bible Institute. Lastly, he received a Biblical Theology Certificate from ITC (Interdenominational Theology Center) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reverend Oates was united in holy matrimony on September 30, 1989 to Sis. Valerie Sampson. They were blessed with four beautiful children. He started preaching under the Pastorship of Rev. Shedrick Crockett at Fairview CME Church. He pastored in many CME and Baptist Churches in the Middle Georgia area. Rev. Oates was a very dynamic pastor. He preached boldly for 33 years. One would never know he had been diagnosed with pulmonary sarcoidosis 30 years ago by listening to him preach, because he preached with all his might.

Rev. Oates was a God -fearing man. It was evident in the way he interacted with his family and others. He was a momma’s boy! He liked to have fun with his family and friends. He never met a stranger. He loved to talk all the time. Also, he was a movie fanatic. Furthermore, he liked to fix and tinker with computers to get them working again. He was known to be the best spade player sitting at his parent’s kitchen table. He would sit there half of the night and slap his cards on the table talking trash to his siblings.

 Rev. Oates career spanned over many years. He worked at BlueBird, Boeing, Northorpe Grumman, The Georgia Forestry Commission, The Methodist Home, and Ingram Pye Elementary School in Macon, Georgia as a 2nd grade teacher. He was very passionate about teaching and preaching the history of the Bible. He was an avid reader. He enjoyed reading the Bible, but he was deeply interested in the historical events of the Old Testament which led to much research about this time in history. As a result of his research, he was in the process of writing a book based on Old Testament research from a different perspective.

 He leaves to cherish his memories: wife, Valerie Sampson, children: Kendra (Christopher McKenzie) Ft. Valley, GA; Kenneth Vashon, Warner Robins, GA; twins: Kendall and Kayla, Macon, GA; Travis Oates, Ft. Valley, GA and Brad ney Brown (deceased) Byron, GA; grandchildren: Morgan McKenzie, Kaiden McKenzie, TyVisa Brown, Saniyah Brown, Nevaeh Brown; great grandchild, Kyree Brown; loving parents: Ulysses Oates, Sr. and Bernice Russell Oates, Ft. Valley, GA; sister: Tracey (Perry West) McDonough, GA; brothers: Marcus (Dr. Mary) McDonough, GA; Ulysses Jr. (Greta) Ft. Valley, GA; Curtis (Dorothy) Macon, GA; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.