Lawrence B. (Larry) Oakley, in the wee hours of Christmas 2012, checked off the final entry on his Bucket List which was to have a nice Christmas. What nicer Christmas can a Christian have than to join the heavenly ranks on our Lord's birthday.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Frances Oakley; his brother, Steven Oakley; former mother and father-in-law, Zebedee and Astrid Elaine Wright; and his nephew, Joshua Ames.
He was dearly loved by his wife, Nancy Lewis Oakley; and his former wife, Catherine A. Oakley and their son, Stephen Christopher Oakley, daughter-in-law, Katherine Anne Oakley and grandson, Andrew Patrick Oakley; and their daughter, Kelley Frances Oakley. He was also beloved by his twin brother, Terry Oakley, his wife, Kim Oakley and his daughter Misty Oakley; his baby sister, Pamela Oakley Ames and husband Brad Ames and their children, David Paul Ames, Elizabeth Ann Ames, and Mary Frances Cochran; and his Uncle, John Harold Oakley and wife Annie Oakley. Others left to cherish his memory are: his step sons, Lewis Thulman, Robert Thulman and Thomas Thulman; and in-laws, George Wilson Dean III, Carla Morgan, Amanda Dean, Elizabeth Dean and their spouses and their children and his former in-laws, Debra & Jeff Zaharis, Zeb Wright, Doug & Daphne Wright and David & Jodi Wright and their children. And last, but not least, his darlings: Simey Sidewinder, Harry White, and Frances Jane.
Larry was born minutes after his big brother on July 15, 1953 in Dayton, Ohio. He spent his formative years in Central Florida, graduating from Colonial High School, home of the Grenadiers where he played varsity football and was voted prom king.
While attending Valencia Community College he became a fraternity brother at Pi Kappa Alpha where he made lifelong friends. He then met his wife, Cathy, with whom he shared the lights of his life, Stephen and Kelley. Over the years Larry worked in finance and sales, enjoying a long career with Trans America. On December 31, 2005, he met his soul mate, Nancy Lewis, and they married on August 12, 2006.
Over the years Larry enjoyed many interests which included coaching football for Pop Warner and serving as a youth leader in his church. He eventually left Central Florida and settled in Tallahassee. It was there he became a devoted fan of the FSU Seminoles, volunteered with Project Annie, and hosted an annual holiday party with his wife for her Hartsfield Elementary School students. He especially enjoyed frequent phone calls with his Uncle Johnny in Long Beach, CA and his visits with his best friend and twin brother, Terry. One of his happiest memories was meeting Terry in New Orleans at the college football National Championship game between Florida State and Virginia Tech. As a couple, Nancy and Larry enjoyed trips to the beach, cruises to the Caribbean, and numerous futile attempts to see a space shuttle launch. Nancy considered it an honor and a blessing to be able to care for him throughout his illness. Not a day went by that Larry didn't thank Nancy for her love and care to which she inevitably replied, "You would have done the same for me".
In lieu of flowers, the families requested donations to be made to Project Annie, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, or the Leukemia Society. The memorial service will be held at the chapel in Trinity United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. A reception will be held for family and friends at the family home immediately following the service.
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