Joseph Learoyd Oates, 80

Joseph Learoyd Oates, 80, of Hendersonville, died peacefully at his home on Friday, March 4, 2022. A lifelong resident of Henderson County, he was born November 12, 1941 in Hendersonville, NC, to Joseph Columbus Oates and Ruby Collins Oates. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 54 years, Betty Sherrill Oates and brother C. Dwight Oates. Joe is survived by his daughter, Sherrill Ann Oates (Michael McQuade); grandson Ian McQuade, of Travelers Rest, SC and nephew David Oates (Susan) of Hendersonville, NC.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Monday, March 21, 2022 at Jackson Funeral Home with Reverend Justin Alexander officiating. Burial will follow at Shepherd Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Monday, March 21, 2022, at the funeral home.

Joe was a 1960 graduate of Hendersonville High School and a 1965 graduate of Mars Hill College. Joe was the Chief Test Engineer for Stencel Aero Engineering Corporation in Arden where he tested parachutes and pilot rescue systems for the military. Joe was also the co-owner of Oates Realty Associates, Inc., and along with his wife, Betty, helped countless families make their new homes in Henderson County. Joe joined the Hendersonville Board of Realtors in 1977 and was President in 1980, 1986 and 2005 and retired from the real estate business in 2015. Joe remained active in real estate and enjoyed time at the NC coast with his family. Joe was an avid photographer, airplane enthusiast and pilot and continued his passion for flying into his retirement by becoming an FAA certified drone pilot.

The family wishes to thank Eusebio and Anita Gutierrez, Heylin Hidalgo, Brick and Linda Cox, all of Joe’s neighbors at The Orchards, and especially Colleen, Mickey, Laura, Jennifer and George, Four Seasons Hospice and Justin Alexander for the care, comfort, ministry and friendship they all provided to Joe and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Joe’s memory may be made to Four Seasons Foundation, 211 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Condolence cards may be sent to the Oates family to: 1101 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792 or jacksonfuneralservice.com.