Ronald Herman Oakley

Ronald Herman Oakley was born on May 20, 1939 in Charlotte, North Carolina where he died peacefully at home with his family on December 14, 2024. Ronnie was a loving father to his daughter Trendi Oakley Vita and son Ronald Gary (deceased). He adored his grandsons William Justin Vita and Taylor Blake Vita, who spent Saturday nights as little boys having fun with their wonderful “Papa.”

A dedicated family man, Ronnie was devoted to his parents Osborne Cahill Oakley, Sr. and Katherine Ledwell Oakley. He was always close to his loved ones and worked throughout his career in the family printing company with his father Osborne, brothers Osborne Oakley, Jr. and James Franklin Oakley (deceased), and sister Katherine Oakley Buckley. When the business closed in 1990, Ronnie opened Fleet Courier Service and continued to work with son-in-law Mark Vita who took over the business when he retired.

Ronnie was a kind and gentle man who loved to have fun. Known for his fierce work ethic and contagious enthusiasm, he managed production and scheduling as vice president and co-owner of Interstate Graphics. His employees admired him for treating everyone with respect, always earning theirs in return. Ronnie’s determination and sense of humor inspired those around him to work hard and laugh along the way.

Ronnie loved sports. He grew up playing with friends in Plaza-Midwood in the ‘40s. He was the Citywide Checkers Champion when he was a boy and went on to coach Pop Warner football when his son was on the CYAC Golden Bears team. Ronnie took the neighborhood kids to Charlotte Checkers hockey games in the ‘60s and loved nothing more than taking his grandsons to Carolina Panthers games 40 years later. He played golf with his dad and loved to fish with his friends.

Ronnie’s friends were extremely important to him, and those friendships were lifelong. He shared countless joyful moments at a beach house in Cherry Grove, SC, which he purchased with his closest friends. His special group of guys met every day after work at a favorite neighborhood bar, and they remained loyal to each other for life.

Ronnie Oakley was a fighter to the very end, always placing his loved ones above himself. He touched countless lives with his kindness, humor, and strength, leaving a legacy of love and loyalty that will live on forever in the hearts of his family and friends.