AHOSKIE, NC – Richard Saunders Oakley, age 67, passed away on June 27, 2020 at his home, with his family by his side.
Mr. Oakley was born in Pitt County, NC, on February 1, 1953, a son of the late Walter Maynard and Elsie Ayers Oakley. Richard was retired as a field mechanic for the NC Department of Transportation. While working full time with NCDOT, Richard also worked several part time jobs including Jernigan Oil, Ace Hardware, Eckerds Drugs, Capps-Daniels Drug, and Mizelle’s Discount Drugs. He loved the Ahoskie Volunteer Fire Department where he also served as a volunteer fireman and Chaplin for over 30 years. He loved his grandchildren and spending time with them, but most of all, he loved his Lord and Savior.
Besides his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brothers, Walter Benjamin Oakley, and Joseph Keith Oakley; and his sisters, Edith Rae James, and Jenny Lou Oakley.
Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Linda Turner Oakley, his daughter, Jennifer Oakley Williams and husband, Walter Melvin of Tarboro, NC; two grandsons, Jordan Lawrence Oakley, and Wyatt Matthew Williams; four sisters, Barbara Bullock of Bear Grass, NC, Alice Faye Russell and husband, Don of Grifton, NC, Becky Sue Griffin and husband, Rodney of Robersonville, NC, and Judy Elaine Oakley of Williamston, NC; and a brother, Michael Lee Oakley of Williamston, NC. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
Due to the circumstances with COVID-19 restrictions, family and friends may pay their respects and sign the register book on Monday, June 29, 2020 from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie, NC.
A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at 11:00 am at the Higher Ground Pentecostal Holiness Church, Ahoskie, NC, with Rev. Ray Faircloth, Sr., officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Gardens in Ahoskie.
Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made directly to Higher Ground Church, 2209 US Highway 13 S, Ahoskie, NC, 27910; or you may donate online by clicking here
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Oakley family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
Linda so sorry to hear about Red, he was such a nice man. We will never forget him singing at Gary’s mama’s funeral.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Gary and Carolyn Wobbleton
So sorry to hear of brother Richard‘s passing. Miss Linda and Jennifer, please know that Cindy and I as well as our girls are praying for you during this time. I did not see Richard all that often but when we did it was like long lost friend finding one another again. He is a precious childOf God who am I will miss greatly. Knowing however that one day soon because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we will meet again!
I loved Richard and attending Church and Weds. bible study with him. What a warm heart and powerful love for the Lord he always shared. I miss you brother! But certainly will see you soon!
Such a nice person every time i saw him he always had a smile…Never once did i see him when he didnt call me Reba..! lol Love and prayers Ms Linda
Linda, Allen & I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Richard was such a likeable person. He always enjoyed calling me Little Debbie, which I enjoyed too!
Mr. Red is one of the sweetest & most godly people I’ve ever met. He heard my dad (Harry White) & our gospel group sing many times. He was such an encouragement to us & I’ll never forget his kindness and warm smile. God bless you, Ms. Linda and I am praying for you and Jennifer.
My heart broke this morning learning of my cousin Rick (Red) passing. Its been a while since I have visited NC. My prayers go out to Linda and the family during yet another passing within our family walls.
Patricia Ann
Sorry for your loss praying for yall.