Richard E. Oakley

Richard E. Oakley, 78, of Richlands, North Carolina, formerly of Washington, Illinois, died Monday, December 8, 2014 in Greenville, North Carolina. He was born on June 13, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois. He was the son of Orvis and Katherine (Emert) Oakley.

He is survived by three children, Jeffrey (Melissa) Oakley of Jacksonville, North Carolina, Kari (Mike) Batey of St. Cloud, Florida and Lori (Scott) Vogler of Marquette Heights, Illinois. He had 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, Kenneth and Eugene Oakley, and 1 sister, Patricia Talley.

Richard was a U. S. Air Force Veteran serving from 1955 to 1961. After leaving the Air Force, he was a Semi Driver for 35 years, retiring from Preston Trucking in 1999. He was also a member of the Teamsters Union for 31 years. Richard was an avid bowler, bowling many 600 series. He loved to fish and spend time with his family.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life reception will be Sunday, December 28, 2014 from 3 PM until 5 PM at Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria. Burial of his ashes will be at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 29, 2014 at Springdale Cemetery in Peoria, Illinois with Military Honors. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.