Mr. Justin (Rico) Ricardo Oates departed this life on Monday, August 28th, 2023 at Crestwood Medical Center. Justin was born on December 25th, 1993 to Vera Ricardo and Crystal Althea Rutland Oates in Huntsville, Alabama.
Justin graduated from Buckhorn High School. Once he completed high school, he attended the University of Arkansas and the University of Alabama where he played football. He was a multi-sport athlete playing basketball, baseball and football for the Riverton Wolves and Buckhorn Bucks. After attending college, Justin joined his father working in the car industry as a car salesman.
On August 5th, 2017, Justin welcomed his only child, Zoey Maria Oates, into the world. He was a devoted father and enjoyed spending time with his daughter and family. He spent most of his late years showing her the world and taking her on vacations across the country and internationally. His daughter was his pride and joy since the day that she was born.
Justin is preceded in death by his father, Vera Ricardo Oates, paternal grandparents, William McKinley and Addie Mae Warren Oates, maternal grandparents, Lillie Mae and Wilbert Eugene Rutland, Sr., his uncles, Vennis (Buffalo) Minoso Oates, Warren Geise Oates and William (Bill) McKinley Oates, Jr.
Left to cherish his loving memories are: his mother, Crystal Althea Rutland Oates, one daughter, Zoey Maria Oates, one sister, Janeczka Rakia Oates; four uncles, Clifford Bolden (Gwendolyn) Oates, Sam Benedict Oates, Shawn Darryl Oates and Wilbert Eugene Rutland, Jr. and aunt Rebecca Marie Gaines. In addition, there are a host of family and friends that he cared for dearly.
At the request of the family all services will be private and only include his mother, daughter and sister. Thanks for all of the thoughts and prayers that have been given to the family during this time.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.valhallafunerals.com for the Oates family.
