Charles Wade Oates

Charles Wade Oates, 89, was born in Pottsville, Ark. on Dec. 21, 1925 on the land that would be his lifelong passion until his death on Feb. 27, 2015. Charles was born in the family home of his youth, and died in his family home of his golden years. Both homes were built on the same farm established in the 1850s by his ancestors. He was the only son of Nina (Blake) Oates and Wade Alexander Oates. Charles went to the Pottsville schools, then attended Arkansas Polytechnic College (ATU) until he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Following his military service he returned to school, graduating from the College of the Ozarks School of Pharmacy. Upon graduation from pharmacy school, Charles' first job took him to Waldron, Ark. Traveling by bus, he arrived at the Rock Café, the local bus stop in Waldron. Charles had barely stepped off the bus when he met the love of his life, Jean Martin, who would become his wife of nearly 63 years. The Couple moved to Mt. Pine, then to Russellville where Charles practiced pharmacy at Walker's Drug. In 1958, Charles, along with his business partner Dale Walker, established C & D Drug Store on the corner of Commerce and B Street where the business continues the legacy of its founders. "Courtesy and Service" are still the guiding principles of the business. As a pharmacist and farmer, Charles spent most of his adult life "working" two jobs. He was a firm believer in the saying "do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life." People often wondered and even asked why he worked from daylight till "dark-thirty" every day. His response was always the same, "I'm doing exactly what I want to do." Both industries recognized his outstanding contributions and service. The Arkansas Pharmacy Board presented Charles with the Gold Certificate for 50 Years of Service. And, The State of Arkansas, Arkansas Agriculture Department recognized the Charles Oates Farm as an "Arkansas Century Farm." Regardless of his endeavors, Charles served with passion and conviction. He held leadership positions in his church and many other organizations including: past Deacon and Elder of Central Presbyterian Church; Pope County Cattleman's Association Board; Pope County Soil Conservations District, former chairman of the board; Farmer's Co-Op board member; Pope County Historical Foundation, past president; Pope County Historical Association; Thirty-Third degree Mason–Pottsville and Russellville Masonic Lodges; The York and Scottish Rites; and the Pisgah Cemetery Board. Whether he was working the land or working with people, Charles believed in nurturing and growing all that God had given him. He was a faithful servant, an honest steward, a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was preceded in death by his parents. Charles is survived by his wife, Jean Martin Oates, Pottsville; three children, Brenda Harrison (Jan, Sr.), Russellville, Dr. Charles David Oates (Tonya Gosnell), Pottsville, and Bonita Walters, Fayetteville; four grandchildren, Avonlea Hardin (Scooter), Little Rock, Jan Michael Harrison, Jr, Russellville, Whitney Walters, Fayetteville, and Daniel Walters (Jessica), Pottsville; one great-grandson, Harrison Hardin, Little Rock. Visitation will be held at Humphrey Funeral Services on Monday, March 2 from 6–8 p.m. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 3rd at the Central Presbyterian Church in Russellville. Reverend Brian Brock will officiate. Active pallbearers are Les Oates, R.D. Walker, Daniel Davis, Bill Cocanougher, Charlie Harms and Larry Harris. Honorary pallbearers are Milton Eoff, Jerry Bradford, Kenneth Taylor, Ronnie Coffman, Carroll Norris, Brandon Boyd, H.M. Baldy Faulkner, Adolph Vodroska, Gerald Chenowith, and members of the Pottsville and Russellville Masonic Lodge. Fellowship and food will follow the service. Committal service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 3rd at Pisgah Cemetery in Pottsville under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Service. Masonic rights will be performed by the Pottsville and Russellville Masonic Lodges. Internet obituary and online guestbook are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com. Memorials may be made to Central Presbyterian Church, Easter Seals of Little Rock, or the charity of your choice.