Funeral services were held December 27, 2013, at Prentiss First MB Church for Mr. Tommie Lee Oatis, 82, who died December 18 at his residence. Rev. Ronnie Barnes officiated with interment following in the church cemetery. Johnson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Tommie Oatis was born to the late Fletcher and Eva B. Oatis in Prentiss.

He was preceded in death by a sister and two brothers.

He joined Prentiss First Baptist Church at an early age; he served as chairman of the Trustee Board and on the Finance Committee for many years.

Mr. Oatis received his formal education at Prentiss Institute Jr. College. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1955. His last assignment was overseas in Germany. He received many service awards: National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Service Stripes Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

In 1967, he completed Chemical Biological and Radiological training and Missile Site Security Course Training in 1965. In 1967, he was ranked as a sergeant. He served 20 years in the Army.

He assisted in the organization of the Oatis/Otis Family Reunion (Mini Revival) held in 1992 at Prentiss First Baptist Church. He worked many years at Jefferson Davis Northeast Beat 4 Granby Road Voting Precinct. He was a member of the American Legion.

Mr. Oatis is survived by one son, Demetrius Oatis of Jacksonville, FL; daughters, Connie Saucier of Long Beach, CA, Starrlis Ahmad of Ellenwood, GA, Gina Oatis of Covington, GA and Yetter (Cedric) Walker of Prentiss; and an adopted daughter, Genesis Oatis of Prentiss; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; devoted friend, riding buddy and caretaker, Robert Lee Powell; many other relatives and friends.