Harold Harvey Oakley

Obituary

The Honorable Harold Harvey Oakley, Jr. of Logan, WV, passed away on Friday, February 17, at his condominium at Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida. He was born in Logan on October 5, 1920, the youngest of six children, to Harold Harvey Oakley, Sr. and Lillie McDonald Oakley. He was predeceased by his siblings; Robert Oakley, Eleanor O. Marshall, (Coy), Frank Oakley, and Mary O. Winter (Paul).

In addition to his beloved wife, Marjorie Ramsey Oakley, of over 37 years, Judge Harvey Oakley is survived by his sister, Constance Oakley Wagner of Huddleston, Virginia, two sons, David and his wife, Kathy of El Centro, California and Michael Lee of Topeka, Kansas, three grandchildren; Jennifer Oakley, Topeka, KS, Sara O. Ross and her husband, Brian, of Yuma, Arizona and Ryan Oakley and wife Susan, of Tuscon, Arizona, two great-grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews.

Having graduated from Logan High School, Class of 1939, Judge Oakley attended Marshall University, enlisted in the US Air Force in 1942, where he served as an Instructor of aerial gunnery. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence, summer of 1951 from Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA. He opened his law office in 1952 in his hometown of Logan. He served as Prosecuting Attorney for Logan County 1964-1968, when he was appointed to complete the unexpired judicial term of the late Judge C. C. Chambers. He was elected Judge of the West Virginia 7th Judicial Circuit in 1968, serving until December 1984. He was one of two judges in the county, and during this time he heard over 10,000 cases.

Harvey Oakley was Director of McDonald Land Company for 42 years and Chairman of the Logan Bank and Trust since 1964, plus a holding company, Logan County Bankshares, since it's inception in May 13, 1985.

Harvey Oakley attended the First Baptist Church of Logan. Activities included past President of Logan Kiwanis Club, SWVCC Advisory Board and Foundation, President Building Committee, Logan County Courthouse, member of State and National Bar Associations, and State and National Judicial Associations, and was an avid bridge player. He spent most winters enjoying his friends at Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club in Fort Myers, Florida.

Judge Oakley was father of Logan Bank and Trust. A new Logan bank was suggested in early 1963 by Vic Oakley, uncle and banker in Ohio. The idea became of great interest to Harvey, who did extensive research, completed all legal work gratis and formed the first Board of Directors, composed of five local businessman. In early 1964 the Board selected a bank site, and worked diligently to acquire certificate of ownership to buy stock in the proposed bank, and obtained the necessary state and federal approvals for opening the bank. The bank opened November 24, 1964, at one location and today under the Board of Directors and Chairman's guidance, there are six locations. It is a strong community bank.

Honorary pallbearers are; Lee Duncan, Dr. Gene Hatfield, Harry Hunter, David McCormick, Clell Peyton, Jim Pierce, Earle Queen, Jean Ray, Jason Riggins, Walter Vance, Sonny White and Glen Yost.

Pallbearers are; Eddie Canterbury, Byrne Matteson, Joe Wagner, Mark Wagner, Wally Wagner, Wally Wagner, Jr., Clinton Winter and Michael Winter.

Services are to be held at the First Baptist Church in Logan on Wednesday, February 22, at 2 PM. The family will be receiving guests at the James Funeral Home from 6-9 on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Logan, Hospice, or the charity of your choice.

Burial will be at McDonald Family Cemetery at Huff Junction, Man, West Virginia.