My first memory of Wayne E. Oates was as the person to whom I wrote as Director of Graduate Studies at Southern Seminary. My first meeting with Dr. Oates was in the foyer of Norton Hall under the giant chandelier when I arrived on campus to take entrance exams for the Ph.D. studies program. It was late in the day but he arranged to meet with me, a stranger to the city and an insecure but determined applicant for graduate school. He kindly inquired as to our well-being since Betty and Brent, our son, was with me. Yes, we had reservations at the local HJs and had plans for dinner so we had no immediate needs for further assistance. But he showed me the paths to take next day when coming to campus.

Oates always had the capacity for making a person feel as if he were giving one his undivided attention, no matter how busy or burdened he was. His eyes were fixed on yours and his gentle chuckle was assuring and welcoming. He followed me and others through graduate studies though he turned me over to the immediate supervision of his lifelong friend, Henlee Barnette.

Oates was an ever-present friend and source of strength during difficult days. His counsel was solid and healthy--no No-Doz for staying awake; take breaks from study for relaxation; stay disciplined, do not binge on cramming for exams; keep in touch with your family. Few people were a source of such inspiration as was Wayne Oates.

His prolific writing schedule was in addition to being Chair of Graduate Studies, active in supervision of his own students and always involved in matters of faculty and administration. He was larger than life for many of us and his death is a reminder of a loss larger than words can tell. He was truly a friend and wise counselor. His legacy will survive his death through his many admirers who have benefitted from his scholarship and example. Born to poverty, he attained riches of spirit. And for that we are all more blessed.