My first encounter with Dr. Oates was when, early in my funeral service career, my late uncle, E. C. Pearson, asked me to accompany him to the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary to speak to the young men and women in Dr. Oates' Pastoral Care class. From the outset it was so very evident that Dr. Oates cared very deeply for those in his class and those of us in funeral service. He instructed his class to pay close attention because most assuredly each one of them would be called upon in the future to "preach a funeral," and it would be in their best interest to be prepared for that occasion. He told the class not to be afraid to ask questions of any nature because they would receive an honest answer. At the end of the session he was so very grateful to us for having taken the time to share our thoughts with his students.

It has been my privilege to have worked with Dr. Oates on many difficult occasions. He was the most caring, compassionate gentle and serving GENTLEMAN I have ever met. I know how deeply he and Mrs. Oates grieved at the loss of their son, Bill. Truly I believe he awaited this happening before his own "struggle to be free."

Godspeed to you, Dr. Oates. You will be missed.