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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 visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search; then type Richard Oakley.

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.