MR. DAVID OAKES
Mr. James David Oakes, age 61, of Roanoke passed away Friday August 4, 2017.
Funeral services for Mr. Oakes will be conducted Sunday August 6, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Macedonia Baptist Church (Franklin, GA) with the Rev. Jeff Shelton officiating. His body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery.
The family will accept visitors at Stutts Funeral Home Saturday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 PM.
Mr. Oakes was born July 20, 1956 in Fulton County, GA to Martha Frances Gray “Fran” Oakes and the late Willie Jackson Oakes, Jr. He was a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church.
He was a member of Local 387 Iron Workers Union and worked on many local construction projects. In 1995 he was working on the Atlanta Olympic Stadium when he was injured in an accident that claimed the life of one of his coworkers. He learned how to work from his father and always worked hard to support his family.
Earlier in life he was a golden glove amateur boxer, and was once ranked seventh in the nation. His prowess earned him the nickname “Lefty.” In 1975 he went to a national competition in Louisiana where he won several medals. In 1995 he fought in a professional fight in Carrollton.
He loved to cook for family and friends. Any time he could have a crowd over for food and fellowship was a joy to him. He especially loved his two granddaughters, Zaylie and Lillie.
In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and camping. He also enjoyed watching TV, especially “Gunsmoke” and “The Price is Right.”
Survivors include: his wife, Brenda Oakes; his mother, Fran Oakes of Dallas, GA; one son and daughter-in-law, Josh and Nikole Oakes of Franklin; 2 granddaughters, Zaylie and Lillie Oakes; three sisters: Ruth Hedges (Bruce) of Powder Springs, Elaine Halstead of Athens, and Carolann Gordy (Ron) of Statham, GA; and a number of other relatives and friends.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one sister, Dianna Cammarano, and one brother, Jack Oakes.
Stutts Funeral Home of Franklin, GA in charge of arrangements.