William Ennis "Bill" Oakley, Sr.
November 8, 1931 ~ September 18, 2024
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William Ennis “Bill” Oakley, Sr., age 92, passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 in Rocky Mount, NC from complications of a recent illness. Born in Rocky Mount, NC on November 8, 1931, he was the son of the late Nessell Vernard “Vernon” Oakley and the late Annie Moye (Cobb) Oakley. He was the brother of the late Peggy Ann (Oakley) Holmes of Columbus, GA.
Bill is survived by his wife of 65 years, Edna Gloria “Dody” (Futch) Oakley of Rocky Mount, NC; his two sons, Dr. William Ennis “Chip” Oakley, Jr. (Vivian) of Heathrow, FL and Christopher Vance Oakley of Rocky Mount, NC and his daughter, Lou Ann (Oakley) Liggett of Hilton Head Island, SC. He was a special grandfather, “PePa”, to four grandchildren; Ariel (Oakley) Sugar(Andrew), Gavin Oakley(Carley), Parker Liggett and Mallory Liggett.
He was a 1950 graduate of Rocky Mount Senior High School and earned a Bachelor of Science and Doctorate degree in Optometry in 1961 from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. He was a proud and decorated veteran of both the U.S. Air Force where he served in the Korean War and U.S Army where he served as an Optometrist stationed at Fort Rucker, AL and later retired from the U.S. Army having earned the rank of Colonel. After serving and for his professional career, Bill established his own optometric practice in 1966 in Rocky Mount, NC and continued there until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of various professional and civic organizations including the North Carolina Optometric Association, the American Academy of Optometry, the Corinthian Lodge #230 and an active member of Englewood Baptist Church.
Bill enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a faithful husband, a proud father, a loving grandfather and a caring friend to many. He will be deeply missed and memories of him will forever be cherished.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 12:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Rev. Charles Taylor officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow the service at Pineview Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s memory to Englewood Baptist Church Mission Program 1350 S Winstead Ave. Rocky Mount, NC 27803 or Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org)
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
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We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
I am very sorry for your loss. He was my optometrist for years when I was a little girl and for a while after I got married. I am positive he was as good a man as he was an eye Dr., and he was a superb eye Dr. He was the first Dr. to tell my Mom I needed glasses to see the bulletin board and I should always sit in the front of the class so I could be assured I could see. He will surely be missed but never forgotten. RIP Dr. Oakley.
Our sincerest condolences on your loss.
Paul and Joan Lucas
Please know that we are thinking of you and your family during this time of sorrow.