Junius Kennedy Oates, Jr., MD

Dr. Junius Kennedy (Kenny) Oates, Jr., passed away on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at the age of 91 in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He was born on November 15, 1931, in Laurel, Mississippi. He is the son of Dr. Junius Kennedy Oates, Sr., and Margaret Sumrall Oates.

Dr. Oates’ educational journey began at Laurel High School in Laurel, Mississippi. Following that, he attended Marion Military Institute. He also served in the U.S. Army for two years. Dr. Oates obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Mississippi and graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Class of 1962, with a Doctor of Medicine degree.  After graduating from medical school, he completed his internship and residency at Charity Hospital and Touro Infirmary in New Orleans, Louisiana.

In 1966, Dr. Oates established a private practice in Jackson, Mississippi, specializing in Internal Medicine.  He practiced at Hinds General Hospital, serving the community in this role until 1989 when he transitioned to Emergency Medicine, practicing across the state until 1999. Following his retirement, he and his wife Betty relocated to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, where he enjoyed the beauty and activities of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Dr. Oates was predeceased by his parents and his wife, Linda Cooper Oates. He is survived by his best friend and wife of fifty years, Betty Preston Oates; his three children: Margaret (Nita) Oates Burchfield and her husband Phil, Junius Kennedy (Ken) Oates, III, and his wife Patty, and Florence Christian (Chris) Oates.  He is also survived by his sister, Dr. Michelle (Mickey) Oates.

Kenny took great delight in his grandchildren: Sydney Sanders Ackman and her husband Mark, Christina Jean Oates, Tyler-Marie Oates Strickland, and her husband Ryan. He also adored his precious great-grandchildren: Phillip Burchfield, Ellyn Burchfield, Scout Ackman, June Ackman, Milo Ackman, Bowie Ackman, Bea Ackman, and Kennedy Ann Strickland.

Dr. Oates was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church and the Ocean Springs Yacht Club and had previously been a member of the Ocean Springs Chorale.  As members of the chorale group, he and his wife, Betty, had opportunities to travel with friends and to sing in beautiful places. Their chorale adventures took them to England, France, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Scotland, and Ireland. Nothing thrilled him more than spending time with his family and friends; those shared experiences provided him with a source of happiness and support throughout his life. 

Dr. Oates’ passion for helping people went beyond his profession. He always looked for opportunities to make a difference. In 2012, he coordinated efforts to design and plant a garden on unused land at their church. The garden was a success with two local charities, The Lord is My Help and Samaritan Ministries, benefiting from the produce grown in it.

A service to celebrate Dr. Oates’ life will be held at St. Paul UMC, Downtown Campus, in Ocean Springs on Tuesday, May 30^th. A visitation for friends will be held at 10 a.m. with a service following at 11:00 a.m. Dr. Oates will be laid to rest at Lake Park Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi, with a graveside service at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the St. Paul UMC Music Ministry in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, in honor of his memory.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. David McClendon, Jodie Hudson with Kare-In-Home, Kayla Gray with Traditions Health Hospice, and Liz Miley with Southern Magnolia Manor for their exceptional care and support.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dr. Junius Kennedy (Kenny) Oates, Jr.