Joseph Oakes

Joseph Victor Oakes was born July 2, 1921 in Suttle, Alabama and passed away September 17, 2011 at Southland Nursing Home in Marion, Alabama, after an extended illness of Alzheimer's. His parents were John Mike and Jenny Suther Oakes. They predeceased him along with sisters Louise Oakes Bennett, Myrtle Oakes Meigs and Dena Oakes and a brother John Allen Oakes, Sr. He is survived by his wife of sixty three years, Rosanell Thompson Oakes; daughter, Jan (Gary)Coton; son, David Mike Oakes; Godson, Rex Allen (Melissa) Thompson and six grandchildren, Casey Edward Coton, Grant Victor Coton, Christopher Mike Oakes, Megan Elizabeth Oakes, Wesley Joseph Oakes and Allison Anne Thompson, one sister, Isabel (Sidney J.) Hardy and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Oakes was a World War II veteran having entered the service of the Navy in July, 1942 and discharged in November, 1947. He served in the Pacific Theater of Operations aboard the U.S.S Ajax, a repair ship, and was based in Alameda, California, Honolulu, Hawaii; Philippines and Tsingtoa, China. After the war he volunteered for the Bikini Test. This was to further test the bombs that had been dropped on Japan in 1945. The first test was Test Able and was done in the air. The second test was Test Baker and was done under water. Mr. Oakes received the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. After his discharge from the Navy, he owned and operated Oakes Shell Service for over thirty years until his retirement in 1983. Mr. Oakes was a lifetime member of Pine Flat Baptist Church serving on many committees and offices as well as being a Sunday School teacher and a deacon for over forty years. Family visitation will be Tuesday, September 20th, between six and eight P.M. at Lawrence Funeral Home with Funeral service at Pine Flat Baptist Church at ten thirty on Wednesday, September 21st and burial to follow at New Live Oak Cemetery with Lawrence Funeral Home directing. The funeral service will be conducted by Dr. Kenny Hatcher, Dr. Michael J. Brooks and Reverend Misty Roberts. Pall Bearers will be Pettus Suttle, Bruce Fuller, Boyd Fuller, Bill Bennett, Allen Kendrick, Bill Fitzsimmons, Ruben Watters, Jim Watters and Floyd Bamberg, all deacons of Pine Flat Baptist Church In lieu of flowers, any memorials can be made to Pine Flat Baptist Church, 4665 Hwy. 14, Selma, AL 36701, or a charity of your choice.