James "Bob" Robert Oates

James Robert “Bob” Oates, 85, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at his home in Morristown. He was a Pentecostal minister and pastored in Baltimore, MD and Hancock County, TN. Bob was born in Burlington, VA and was the youngest of sixteen brothers and sisters. He retired from Shelby Williams after 27 years of service. After retirement he ran a paper route with his wife for the Citizen Tribune.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret Oates; fifteen brothers and sisters; and stepson, John Giddings.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty Jane Oates; children, Donna M. Seal, Shirley J. (Joe) Ward, James R. Grant, Robert D. Oates; ten grandchildren; five great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a thank you to special friends, Carolyn Witt, Liz Griffin, caregivers, Jazmine, Crystal, and Kasie, son, James, the nurses and staff of Amedisys Home Health and Hospice, and primary care Dr. Rajeev Gupta.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Allen Funeral Home.

The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date.

Allen Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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