Dock Oats, Jr., was born on February 23, 1943, in Woodbine, GA to the union of the late Dock Oats, Sr. and Sallie Mae Wilson Oats.  He was the eldest of 11 children.  To his family he is affectionately known as Pop.Dock was educated in the Camden County System where he attended Ralph J. Bunche Elementary school and Ralph J. Bunche High School with the class of 1962 where he played basketball.Dock relocated to Miami, FL 1962. He enjoyed living in Miami and in 1969 Dock met and married Mae Frances Walker who preceded him in death.  The couple had one child together, Teresa.   Dock found various employment opportunities and ultimately gained employment at Henry Lee Ford Distribution Company before transitioning to Gator Freight, which eventually became R&L Carriers where he was employed for 50 years as an Independent Owner and Operator. He was a loyal R&L employee and received many commendations throughout his many years of service.He loved his job, and his work ethic was unmatched.

He believed in professional dedication.  Whenever you talked to him, he would say, "Thank God you got a job."  He meant that literally and figuratively as a professional and as a man of God.Dock was a longtime member of Mt Carmel Missionary Baptist Church. He loved God, his church and he read his bible faithfully. He also served his community as a Mason through his involvement with St. Andrews Grand Lodge of Miami, FL.On May 10, 2024, our beloved Pop gained his wings.  They say there are jobs in Heaven and there is no doubt that he is doing his job well. He was an honest and loving person that loved his daughter and his family.He truly had a heart of gold and was known for helping anyone that asked for a helping hand.