Russell Oakley

1948 - 2021

Edward Russell Oakley, 73, of Lowgap, went home to be with the Lord on Friday night, August 13, 2021. Mr. Oakley was born April 14, 1948, in Surry County, the son of the late Hubert Oakley and Dorothy Hodges Oakley Goodson. Russell served (1968 – 1969) our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He retired as a self-employed floor coverer after many years of service. Russell was a devoted Christian and faithful Sunday school teacher. As an avid outdoorsman, he loved hunting, fishing, and camping. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Wanda Horton Oakley of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Eddie and Missy Oakley of Mount Airy and the Rev. Chris and Gretta Oakley of Lowgap; six grandchildren, Austin Oakley and his wife, Lauren, Ashley Oakley, Ethan Oakley, Addison Oakley, Aiden Oakley, and Elli Oakley; five great-grandchildren, Aaspyn Oakley, Saylor Oakley, Emerson Draughn, Brigslee Oakley, and Aasen Oakley; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Sharon Shackleford of Mount Airy and Diane and Delane Todd of Lowgap; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Luther "Luke" and Ruth Oakley and Blain Oakley, all of Mount Airy; a half-brother, Mike Blevins; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Amanda and Scott Gordon of Rural Hall. In addition to his parents, Mr. Oakley was preceded in death by a sister, Karen Oakley Dillow. The funeral service will be held Monday, August 16, at 2 p.m. at Mount Vernon Baptist Church, with the Rev. Chris Oakley, the Rev. Bill Spurlin, the Rev. Raleigh Burnette, and the Rev. Jack Anderson officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, with military honors conducted by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy, where his body will remain until carried to the church to lie-in-state 30 minutes before the funeral service. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 401, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.