Dr. William P. "Bill" Oakley

Dr. William P. "Bill" Oakley, 93 of Trimble, Tennessee died on Monday, December 9, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Union City, Tennessee.

Born Saturday September 5, 1931, in Dyersburg, Tennessee. He was the son of the late Dr. Willie B. Oakley and the late Dorothy Lee Lambert Oakley.  Dr. Oakley was affectionately known as “Brother Bill” to his many colleagues and friends. He touched the lives of countless people over the years with his exemplary Christian spirit and compassion over his lifetime of ministry. He cherished the opportunity to lead many people to a saving faith with Jesus Christ. 

He graduated from Dyersburg High School and attended Union University before entering New Orleans Baptist seminary. He received his doctorate from Luther Rice Seminary. During his ministry of 74 years, he served in many churches.  He spent 15 years as the pastor of First Baptist Church in Trimble, Tennessee. After retirement, he continued his ministry as needed at various churches including Enon Baptist where he was a member and honored with the title “Pastor Emeritus.” In the past two years he pastored the Palestine Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Newbern, Tennessee.

He traveled to over 8 countries and countless locations throughout the United States spreading the gospel of his lord and savior Jesus Christ. 

Visitation for Dr. Oakley will be from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Trimble Baptist Church in Trimble, Tennessee. Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 PM and will be officiated by Bro. Joe Oakley and Dr. David Powell. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Dyersburg, Tennessee.

He is survived by his wife, Peggy J. Miller Oakley, of Trimble, Tennessee. One son, Brother Joe Oakley (Deborah) of Grand Prairie, Texas, two daughters, Libby George (K.S.) of Dyer, TN and Dianna Seymour (Clark) of Plano, Texas. His children by choice, Donald Bennett of Trimble, Tennessee, Paula Jetton (Jeff) of Trimble, Tennessee, Beth Dudley (Roger) of Bradford, Tennessee, and Eleven grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Pattye Lavene Oakley; one son, Paul Oakley; one daughter, Michelle Walker, and one sister, Sue Hankins. 

Honoring Dr. Oakley as pallbearers will be Adam Pate, Scott Clement, Willie George, Patrick Wilkerson, Wade Perry and John Paul Bennett.

Serving as Honorary pallbearers will be K.S. George, Clark Seymour, Donald Bennett, Dustin Bennett, Hunter Jordan, Jeff Jetton, Daniel Bennett, Hunter Finch, Roger Dudley, Brandon Ward, Dr. Patrick Teer and the Deacons from Enon Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers family requests for honorarium be directed to Enon Baptist Church (5427 Curve Nankipoo Road, Halls, Tennessee 38040) or Trimble First Baptist Church (139 E. Mitchell Street, Trimble, Tennessee 38259).

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnson-williamsfuneralhome.com.  Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Dr. William P. "Bill" Oakley.

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