Graveside services were held Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021, at Springhill Baptist Church for Mr, Willie Rowan Oatis, 83, who died Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, at the VA Medical Center in Jackson.

Elder Timothy Scott officiated with Johnson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Willie Oatis was born to the late Reuben and Vanilla Oatis in Silver Creek.  He was a member of Springhill Baptist Church and attended Harvest Celebration Evangelistic Church of God in Christ in Byram.

Mr. Oatis received his early education at J. E. Johnson and later attained his bachelor’s degree at Jackson State University.

He then furthered his education with a Teacher’s certification at University of Wisconsin (Racine) and Millsap’s College in Jackson.

He received a Master’s of Art in History and a Master’s of Art in Education Administration, both from Jackson State University.  He served in the U. S. Army for two years as a draftsman and attained the rank of Sergeant.

Mr. Oatis taught at J. E. Johnson Middle School for several years and later was promoted to principal with several administrative assignments in between.

He also taught at Pearl River Community College. Mr. Oatis retired from Jefferson Davis School District as an Educator Administrator at the Superintendent’s Office.

He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Boy Scouts of America, Governor’s Board and the Optimist Club.  He loved farming, hunting, traveling, reading and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by Reuben Oatis Jr., sister, Darlene Hearn and brother, Edward Oatis.

He is survived by his wife, LaMildred Oatis of Prentiss; three sons, Quincy (Vikki) Oatis of Hattiesburg; William Oatis and Kendric Oatis both of Silver Creek; brother, Robert S. Oatis of Silver Creek; sisters, Dorris Oatis of St. Louis, Missouri; Algene Jones of Irvine, California and Viola Kaiser of Duluth, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.