James Louie Oakley

After living a full and abundant life, Louie Oakley of Providence, NC died peacefully at Riverside Health and Rehab on Saturday, May 1, 2021.

Born in High Point, NC on March 14, 1930 to the late Bob and Bessie Oakley, he was the loving husband to Connie Oakley, the “sweetest girl in the world” and the love of his life who predeceased him in 2017 after almost 65 years of marriage. He was blessed with four children who loved and adored their Daddy– Jimmy Oakley, who died at a young age, Melanie Orton and husband Steve of Burlington, Allen Oakley and wife Shelly of Raleigh, and Ellen Cooper and husband Jerry of Graham. He left a legacy of love for his grandchildren: Elizabeth Cooper, Jared Orton and wife Kelsey, Lieutenant Grant Orton; step-grandchildren Kim Hamilton and husband Jason and Josh Orton; great granddaughters Collins Grace Orton (his “little princess”) and Katie Hamilton, who were all precious gifts to him. He is also survived by his brother, Carson Oakley.

Louie was a follower of Jesus Christ and loved serving Him.  He spent his last days quoting some of his favorite scriptures and looking forward to seeing the Lord.  He found joy in serving others as indicated by his various mission trips to Costa Rica and his many years of service with the NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief Team. After graduating from Cobb School, he attended Lees McRae College before being “summoned” by Uncle Sam to serve in the US Army and fight in the Korean War. He was especially proud of his grandson Grant for following in his steps and serving in the Army.  An injury and a Purple Heart brought him home from the war and after a few short stints at various jobs, Louie was appointed by President Eisenhower as Postmaster of Providence where he served for 30 years.  He knew everyone “in town” on a first-name basis and where they lived. 

He was a founding member of the Providence Volunteer Fire Department and since he worked and lived so close to it, he could usually be found driving the truck when it headed out. After retiring from the Postal Service, he enjoyed working in his shop and in the garden. He had a knack for woodworking where he always “measured twice and cut once”. He always had a huge garden and loved to give much of it away, especially to the widows in the community.  He loved sitting on his porch and waving to everyone who drove by – it was really his way of keeping up with what was going on in Providence.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 07, 2021 at Providence Baptist Church with Rev. Mitchell Cifers officiating. Interment will take place in the church cemetery.

Due to Covid issues attendees are asked to practice social distancing and wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, he requested memorial donations be made to the NC Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27363 or the charity of your choice.

Swicegood Funeral Home 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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