Joseph "Joe" Oates, a proud military veteran of WWII, Korea and Vietnam, who served his country with honor and distinction, peacefully passed away at the age of 96 on Sunday, May 5,2024.  Joe's life was marked by a steadfast commitment to duty, remarkable courage and unwavering love for his family.

Born on January 9, 1928, in the Bronx, Joe was the youngest of eight children of Thomas and Maude Smart Oates.

Joe's journey of service began at the tender age of 16 when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1945 during World War II.  After completing his basic training in Fort McLellan, Alabama, Joe was deployed to Stuttgart, Germany, where he served with Troop E. 72nd Constabulary Squadron (Military Police).  He continued his service through the Korean Conflict and into the Vietnam War, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and dedication throughout his deployments.

Joe's military career spanned over two decades, during which he served in various roles and locations, including Fort Bragg, NC; Korea; Tokyo, Japan; Fort Dix, New Jersey; Otis Air Force Base, Massachusetts Suffolk County Air Force Base, New York; Lackland Air Force Base, Texas; McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey; and Thule Aire Force Base, Greenland.  He retired from military service in 1967 after 20 years of distinguished service, having earned numerous accolades and medals for his bravery and commitment to duty.

Following his retirement from the military, Joe embarked on a second career in law enforcement, serving in Florida and New Jersey, before joining the United States Postal Service.  Throughout his life, Joe remained dedicated to his family, finding joy in the love of his wife, Eileen, and the cherished moments spent with his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Eileen, and their children; Callista Yacullo, Kathleen Neu, Joseph (Sheila), Mark (Karin), and Rosemarie Mobley (Glenn). He is also survived by his grandchildren; Bob Paul (Alecia), Harry Artemisio, Patrick Artemisio, Holly Page (Kyle), Daniel Oates (Jay), Kevin Oates, and Rebecca Oates, as well as his great-grandchildren, Erin (Trey), Kayla, Caroline, Joseph, Kylie, HallieRose, Harry, and Candace, and great-great-grandchildren, Truman and Emme.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 510 E Main St, Wallace, NC 28466.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.  on Thursday, one hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville, NC.

Memorial gifts can be sent to the charity of your choice in memory of Joseph Oates.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the family by selecting our Tribute Wall above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home of Wallace.