In Remembrance and Appreciation to Joyce Oatman and the impact her family had on so many.

Joyce E. Oatman (nee Johnson) Age 78, of Chicago, IL passed away on Monday, December 9, 2013. She was the loving wife of William H. Oatman, III and cherished mother of William H. Oatman, IV. Known for her dedication, Ms. Joyce Oatman was a devoted teacher for the Chicago Public Schools for over 37 years, teaching at both Crane and Tilden High Schools. There, she sponsored the Crane Academically Able Program (CAAP) and created the TAG Program (Talented And Gifted Children). Additionally, she served as a consultant to Region 3 for 2 years, providing support to fellow teachers, and was an active member of the AKA sorority as well as a Sunday school teacher at Morgan Park Presbyterian Church. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, William; her son, William, IV (Annette); her granddaughter, Taylor Imani Haynes; her sister, Florence Alexander; and her brother, Clyde Johnson, who preceded her in death. In honor of her legacy, including her contributions to educational initiatives like the CHESS Foundation, a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, 2017 West 110th Place, Chicago, IL 60643.

God Bless Ms Oatman

William Howard Oatman IV (December 1, 1965 – April 23, 2023) was a left-handed American ten-pin bowler and a proud member of the Professional Bowlers Association. His involvement with the CHESS Foundation highlighted his commitment to community engagement and youth development in sports. 

Born in Chicago, Oatman didn’t start bowling until he was 40 years old, becoming the oldest man to win the Rookie of the Year award and the first African American to achieve this remarkable distinction. During his inaugural tour season of 2006–07, he secured a PBA ranking of 37 and achieved the incredible feat of bowling four perfect 300 games in PBA competition. In total, Oatman completed over 190 perfect 300 games and recorded more than 70 800 series. 

Even as a child, he was passionate about bowling, participating in three leagues by the age of eight. Before his illustrious career as a PBA bowler, he worked in his mother Joyce Oatman’s health food store. In the 2006–07 season, he made history as the first-ever African American PBA Rookie of the Year.

Personal

Billy had one daughter named Taylor Imani, who will carry on his legacy.

Passing

Billy passed away from complications of a stroke, leaving behind his daughter and his father, William H. Oatman III. 

God Bless Billy