Reverend Oakley

Reverend Ed H. Oakley, 60, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 30, 2012, following a courageous battle with cancer. In the end, he won. He was born on September 25, 1951, in Roxboro, North Carolina, the son of Harold Oakley and the late Edna Oakley. He served as Minister of Music and Worship at Cavel Baptist and Roxboro Baptist churches in Roxboro, North Carolina, Freedom Baptist Church in Wilmington, North Carolina, and the past 24 years at Canton First Baptist. His love and deep understanding of God's Word and passion for sharing through music and worship brought countless numbers to a deeper understanding of the love and sacrifice of Christ. As an alumnus of UNC at Chapel Hill, Ed was also an enthusiastic fan of his Carolina basketball team. Ed gave his time locally and abroad sharing God's love on mission trips. He loved the beach, reading and having insightful conversations with those he loved. Ed is survived by his wife, Marsha Dickerson Oakley; two children, Carol Anne Bruckmann and husband, Jamie, of Harrisburg, North Carolina, and Karen Elizabeth Pope of Waynesville; four grandchildren, Caitlyn Anne and Elijah William Oakley Bruckmann, Taylor Jordan and Kylie Elizabeth Pope; father, Harold Oakley; two sisters, Jackie Phelps and husband Dennis, and Betty Reeves; and a wonderful extended family who greatly enriched his life. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 4, 2012, at Canton First Baptist Church with the Reverend Charles Sams, Reverend Rodger Roach, Reverend Dr. Jack Sammons, Reverend Rickey Taylor, Reverend Dr. Dick Maples, and Reverend Mike Toney officiating. The North Carolina Baptist Singers and the Canton First Baptist Choir will also lead in worship. The family will receive friends following the service. Interment will be at Mill Creek Baptist Church in Roxboro, North Carolina at a later date. Memorials may be made to The GrandOak Education Fund at SunTrust Bank, 101 Main Street, Canton, NC 28716. Wells Funeral Home of Canton is in charge of the arrangements.

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