Walter Isaac Oakley, age 86, passed away Friday, January 26, 2018, at his residence, after a decline in health over the past 4 years. Mr. Oakley was born June 8, 1931, in Yanceyville, NC, to the late Walter Kitchen Oakley, and Ida Terrell Oakley. He is survived by the love of his life, Doris Earles Oakley, his wife of 65 years. He is also survived by 3 daughters, Pam Atkins (Larry), Patricia Rose, Priscilla Sims (Mark Stein), and granddaughter Anna Perkins (Brian), 2 brothers, Thurman Oakley (Lois – deceased) of Burlington, NC, and Bob Oakley (Betty Jean) of Elon College, NC; 2 sisters Eva Isom (Jim – deceased) of Danville, VA and Grace Baker (Curry) of Burlington, NC. He was predeceased by a beloved grandson, Larry Atkins Jr., 5 deceased brothers, Pete Oakley (Christine – deceased), Obie Oakley (Julia), Ernest Oakley (Vernell), Bill Oakley (Linda), and Sherman Oakley, and 3 deceased sisters, and Annie Mae Brafford (James – deceased), Frances Tatum (Leonard – deceased), Martha May (Penn-deceased).
Mr. Oakley served in the U.S. ARMY and the U.S. ARMY Reserves during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Oakley worked at Dan River Mills where he met his wife then later retired as a supervisor in 1A weave room after 45 years in June of 1994. After his retirement, they spent many weekends at their lake house at Buggs Island, with their many friends, having cookouts, using his secret hushpuppy recipe, being an avid fisherman, and enjoying life.
Funeral services will be held at 2PM, Monday, January 29, 2018, at Swicegood Funeral Home, with the Pastor John Meadows officiating. Interment will be at Danville Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends and family from 3 to 5 on Sunday, January 28, 2018, at Swicegood Funeral Home or other times at the residence.
Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army and American Legion Post 1097.
Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Oakley family.
Please sign the guestbook at www.swicegood-barker.com, www.facebook.com/swicegoodbarker, and www.godanriver.com.
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