Oakley, Billy "Bill" Dan age 85, of Wichita, Kansas left this world on August 19, 2020. Bill was born in Frederick, Oklahoma on October 29, 1934 to N.L. and AnnaBelle (Lee) Oakley. Bill graduated from East High School in Wichita in 1952 and attended Wichita State University. He married his high school sweetheart, Ione Hayter, on October 18, 1953. Bill owned and operated a successful Phillips 66 station in Wichita from 1955 to 1959. In 1959, he sold his business and answered the call to ministry. After attending Freed Hardeman School of Preaching in Henderson, Tennessee, he dedicated 53 years as a full-time preacher and family counselor for churches of Christ in Tennessee, Oklahoma, and three congregations in Wichita, Kansas. In 1986, Bill began his work with the Know Your Bible television ministry as a panel member. He was an enthusiastic encourager of personal bible study and answered thousands of Bible questions through broadcast, mail, and email for 27 years. Bill joined the Northside Church of Christ as pulpit minister in 1987. Throughout his ministry, he traveled the nation encouraging churches and building up families through marriage and parenting seminars. He retired from full-time ministry in 1999, but continued his work with KYB until 2013. Even after retirement, he continued to counsel and preach for local churches and was a mentor to many young ministers. Most of all, Bill loved God's word, and his mission in life was to share the good news of Jesus with every person he met. Bill will be loved and remembered for the impact he has had on the lives of thousands. He loved unconditionally, always extended grace, exemplified humility and forgiveness, radiated Christ, and served the kingdom of God tirelessly. He was truly the hands and feet of Jesus; and his life was a stirring testament to the goodness of God's sustaining grace. Bill was preceded in death by his twin daughters, Sharon and Karen, his parents, N.L. and AnnaBelle Oakley, and his brother, Darrell Oakley, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Ione, and their daughters: Cindy Stanford, and her husband, Allan, of Bryant, Arkansas; Cheryl Schoepf, and her husband, Rick, of Wichita, Kansas; and Laura Little, and her husband, David, of Wichita, Kansas. He was proud of each of his eight grandchildren, their spouses, and his seventeen great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind many nephews and nieces and thousands of spiritual brothers and sisters. Visitation will be held on August 23, 2020 at 5:00 pm at DeVorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary, 201 South Hydraulic, Wichita, Kansas. A Memorial Service will be held on August 24, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Northside Church of Christ, 4545 N. Meridian, Wichita, Kansas. (Masks will be required.) Donations in Bill Oakley's memory can be made to "Know Your Bible" c/o Northside Church of Christ.

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Published by Wichita Eagle on Aug. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Billy Oakley

8 Entries

Carl and Linda Folster

August 24, 2020

We are so sad to hear this news today. Bill and Ione are like family to both of us!! We grew up in the church where they ministered so faithfully and lovingly for so very many years. Bill was so good to us as teenagers......always fun mixed with the gospel and seeds planted each time we were together. It was a huge blessing and honor to have him officiate at our wedding in 1968.......he was like a spiritual father to both of us. We loved his humble and kind heart, always an encouraging word, a funny story........how we loved to hear him laugh.....he had the greatest sense of humor. Our world is poorer for his passing, but oh, the glory he is now experiencing, having finished his course on this earth. We love you Ione and all your family and mourn his temporary goodbye with you. The world has lost such a loving man, but we are richer for having had him in our lives.....so much richer. May you feel God's loving arms around you as we lift you up in prayers. Thank you for showing us all how to do life so beautifully.

Tara Zugelder March

August 24, 2020

I am so sorry to hear of Bills passing. He was such a wonderful Christian man. I grew listening to him preach as a child. He was a dear Family friend of my Grandparents after all the years of their involvement in the Church of Christ. He will deeply be missed. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with his Family. God Bless.

Angie Weaver

August 24, 2020

What can I say about this great man that hasn’t already been said? He was truly an inspiration! I only knew his for 7 short years but in that time I grew to love that man as a father! In fact, I told him and Ione both they were now going to be my adopted parents! I looked up to Bill as a dad and forever will! I love you, Dad! Sing with the angels!

Judy Hipsher

August 23, 2020

Bill was such a kind and humble man. He was a huge influence in our lives while at Westlink & will always be remembered. My prayers are with you all during this time.

Judy Hipsher

August 23, 2020

Bill was such a kind & humble man & a huge influence in our lives while he was at Westlink. He will always be remembered. My thoughts & prayers are with Ione & the family.

Duretta (Snavely) Wretberg

August 23, 2020

I have known Bill since I was little. He was our minister. His father was my Sunday School teacher. His mother was loving, caring and became a good friend. Good memories and was blessed to known them. Bill performed the wedding ceremony of my sister and did the eulogy at her funeral. Deepest condolences to the family Well done good.and faithful servant enter into the joy of your master. Matthew 25:23

Dalton Dietz

August 23, 2020

I have known Bill for many years and my condolences go to the family.

Loyd Oakley

August 23, 2020

Bill was a wonderful man and Christian. I am honored to have known him. He was the trident for the lineage of Oakley genealogy and heritage. May all of his family be blessed.

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