Oates was born and raised in Depoy, Kentucky, a tiny rural community west of Greenville in Muhlenberg County, the son of Sarah Alice (née Mercer) and Bayless Earle Oates, who owned a general store.
Oates was born and raised in Depoy, Kentucky, a tiny rural community west of Greenville in Muhlenberg County. Oates was born and raised in Depoy, Kentucky, a tiny rural community west of Greenville in the son of Sarah Alice (née Mercer). Oates was born and raised in Depoy, Kentucky, a tiny rural community west of Greenville in Bayless Earle Oates. Bayless Earle Oates owned a general store.