Charles Leander Oakes

GARNER - Charles Leander Oakes, Jr. was born January 9th, 1950, to the late Charles and Luella Oakes. He departed this life - peacefully - March 8th, 2026, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Bud received his education in Oil City, PA where he graduated from Oil City High School in 1968. Bud had a unique gift of making everyone feel special and loved. He never met a stranger. If you had a friend, they were his friends also. The only friends he didn't have were the ones he never met. Bud was the world's greatest brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend to everyone. Bud to many, was a spiritual counselor, medical advisor, health advocate, mentor and many more. He was a wealth of knowledge about everything. If you had a question, he had an answer. Bud was an avid jogger, runner, swimmer, antiquer, bargain shopper and on any giving weekend he could be found the entire day at several thrift stores.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Luella Oakes; sisters, Donna Oakes, Joyce Hall, Beverly Braden; brothers, Jim Baugher, Ronald Oakes, Sr.; and by his nephews, Jerry Braden, Jimmy Baugher, and Matt Baugher.

He is survived by to carry on his memory: sister, Karen R. Haag (Joe); nephews and nieces, Tim Haag (Barb), Michelle Olson (Steve), Brenda Oakes (Steve), Ronald Oakes, II (Crystal), Frankie Hall, Patty Westmoreland (Wes), Michael Hall (Lynn), Billy Braden (Mary), Mark Baugher (Constance), Judy Rithman; and sister-in-law, Bobbie Oakes.

He also leaves to cherish his memories: a group of great nieces and nephews whom he adored and had special relationships with, Erin Timmerman, Stephen Haag, Sean Olson and his little great niece, Veronica F. Oakes whom he affectionately called his "Baby Tomaty or Hey Boo" and a host of great nieces and nephews and others.

In addition to his family, Bud is survived by a close-knit group of friends and non-blood relatives that he made his family and to him, they were his family.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in the Chapel of Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, Garner (1200 Benson Road, Garner, NC 27529). Viewing will be held prior to the service, with the chapel doors opening at 12:00 Noon.

Funeral arrangements are by Bryan-Lee Funeral Home of Garner. Online condolences may be made at www.bryan-leefuneralhome.com