Oran O. Oates Jr.

Oran O. Oates Jr., of Perry, Ark., died on Oct. 5, 2013. Oran O. Oates Jr. was better known by his nickname "Tootie". He was born in Morrilton, Ark., on Jan. 20, 1948 to the late Oran O. Oates Sr. and Frances Taylor Oates of Perry. He attended Perry Elementary School and graduated from Perryville High School in 1965. He joined the Navy in 1969 and served on the destroyer The USS Hugh Purvis and was active during the Vietnam War. Following his Honorable Discharge, "Tootie" worked in many different fields of work until his retirement. Oran Jr. is survived by his daughter, Leslie Demers, her husband, Robert Demers, his grandchildren, Madison and Morrison Demers, all of Fayetteville, Ark.; sister, Mary Lee Oates of Morrilton, Ark.; stepmother, Lillian Oates of Perry, Ark.; aunt, Evelyn Wolf of St. Louis, Mo.; another daughter, Beth Gray of Colorado, and many cousins. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013 at the Perry Cemetery with Brother Jody Hurst presiding. Arrangements are made by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. In lieu of flowers or food, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 105 West Church Street, Morrilton, Ark. 72110. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.