McConnells, SC – Gary Stephen Oates (Oatie), 70, passed away on April 20, 2024 in Pineville, NC after suffering complications following a motorcycle accident.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on April 27, 2024 at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Rd., Rock Hill, SC 29732. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
A memorial ride to the funeral home will be held on Saturday afternoon. Anyone who wishes to join, should meet at 12:45 p.m. at the intersection of Hwy 322 and 324 (Exxon Station, 3702 McConnells Hwy, Rock Hill, SC 29730). The ride will leave for the funeral home at 1:00 p.m.
Gary was born June 23, 1953, in Corpus Christie, TX to Robert (Bob) and Barbara Oates.
Gary was a machinist and industrial maintenance technician for more than 45 years. He began his career in 1975 at Georgia Pacific (formerly U.S. Plywood and Champion) until it closed in 2007, and he eventually retired from Boise Cascade in 2021.
In his free time, Gary enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing, camping with family and friends, and building or fixing anything with his hands. He was truly a jack of all trades.
Gary loved his family above all else. He was a devoted husband to Jaquelyn, and father to Stephanie (Kelley), Gary Stephen, Jr., Christopher (Erica), Nina, and Nicholas (Jessica). He was a cherished and loyal friend to many.
In addition to his wife and children, Gary is also survived by eleven grandchildren (Gracie, Trevor, Tanner, Cooper, Taytum, Lily, Madelynn, Sophia, Jaxon, Scarlett, and Bristol Rae, on the way), brother, Rodney Oates, sister, Sherry Fraser, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Marlene.
Gary “Oatie” Oates will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will live on through his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends.
Condolences can be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net