VIENNA - Russell Oates Sr., son of the late Albert and Sallie Ann Dent Oates, departed this life on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, at ValleyCare Northside Medical Center in Youngstown, OH.

Russell was born July 27, 1931, in Youngstown.
He graduated from East High School, where he excelled at baseball and football. He led the East High Golden Bears to many city championships and received many awards.
He then went on to Youngstown College (State) and played football before joining the minor league baseball circuit.
Russell was a union man who worked at General Fireproofing for 30 years before he retired.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his son, Russell Oates of Cleveland, Ohio; wife Alice H. Oates of Liberty, OH; sister Sarah Ann Griffin, formerly of Youngstown; two nieces, Carol Ann Griffin and Jeni (Gary Sr.) Williams; great-nephew Gary Spencer Williams Jr., all from Phoenix; his great-niece, Teresa Ann Griffin of Cleveland; nephew Marvin Oates of Youngstown; and a sister-in-law, Mary Oates of Gray Court, S.C.

He also leaves behind two step-sons, Elder Eric (Bess) Hayden of Youngstown and John (Pam) Gregory of Columbus; granddaughters Sherri Hayden of Austintown and DeVeonne Gregory White of Columbus, OH; and grandsons Eric Hayden Jr. of Austintown, Francesco Gregory and Perry Gregory of Columbus, and Jared Hayden of Columbiana; great-granddaughters Korey Hayden, Paris Hayden and Deja Traylor; and great-great-granddaughter Maliya Dawson, all of Austintown; along with many other family and friends.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Oates Sr. and Sallie Ann Dent Oates; three brothers, William Oates, Albert (Clara Crawford) Oates Jr., and James R. Oates; a sister, Helen L. Oates; and nephew Charles A. “Chip” Griffin Jr., formerly of Youngstown.

His greatest joys were his family, friends, relaxing in his home in the country, watching sports, cooking, giving people nicknames and bringing joy to everyone who came across his path.

Russell Oates, the East High Golden Bear, the union man, the beloved best friend, father, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather, coach and friend will be missed by all and not forgotten. Calling hours will be Monday, Dec. 15, 2014, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home Inc. in Youngstown.
The funeral will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2014, at 11 a.m., with a 10 a.m. viewing, at the New Hope Baptist Church, 437 Albert St., Youngstown.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the scholarship fund: Russell Oates Sr Fund, P.O. Box 767, Vienna, OH 44473


Mahoning