Richard “Dick” Lee Oakley went to be with the Lord on August 15, 2024, at the age of 85, after a valiant battle with cancer. Dick was born in Greenville, Ohio, on September 6, 1938.
He is survived by his loving spouse of 61 years, Martha “Marty” Oakley (Holdgreve); son, Tom (Tod) McMillen-Oakley; son, Richard “Doug” Oakley (Angela), and four grandchildren who love their grandpa very much, Anna and Eli (McMillen-Oakley) and Olivia and Kayleigh (Oakley).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Chiles Oakley and Martha Ellen (Schooler Oakley-McDonel), and his brother, Thomas Michael Oakley. Countless pets have also gone before him and are eagerly awaiting him at the Rainbow Bridge, including his buddy Darby the
Dog and Wendy the Wonder Beagle.
He graduated from Greenville High School in 1956 and then attended Ohio Northern University, where he received a bachelors in education. He was also a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Upon graduation, Dick enlisted in the National Guard Reserve and was recognized posthumously by Hospice of NW Ohio for his service and dedication to our country. After his time in the military, he went to work for the Social Security Administration. After leaving his government job, he created Professionel Nursing Service Inc. with his business partner Roy Sorrell. After selling the business, he held several other jobs, including the Red Cross of Northwest Ohio and Zimmer Medical Supply.
Dick was a long-standing member of Mayfair-Plymouth Congregational Church and most recently Perrysburg First Church, where he was an active member of the Prime Timers Club. Dick was involved in the church leadership at Mayfair and was instrumental in the hiring of Pastor and friend, the Reverend David J. Claassen, who was minister for more than 40 years.
He loved to travel and relished dragging his family all over the country/state visiting historic places in their VW Bus. Marty and Dick made many trips, including a Great Lakes cruise won at a fundraiser for the Edmund Boyer docked in downtown Toledo. Other trips have included Thailand, Wales, Florida and the Atlantic Coast. The happy couple made a multi-week trek driving out west to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2013 and visited Yosemite, Mt. Rushmore and other sites, taking Amtrak to return home to Ohio.
Dick had many hobbies/ interests, including his grandkids, reading, photography, puttering in his garage and music. While he was no Johnny Mathis, he sang his heart out in the church choir for many years. He also was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Toastmasters and actively involved in the Exchange Club of Northwest Ohio. He and Marty also loved the monthly Cookbook Club put on at the library. We know he went for the food, as he was not known for his cooking skills. Dick exemplified leadership, service, compassion and love in all he did, and was an inspiration to all who met him. His legacy will live on for a very long time in our hearts and memories.
Services will be held Saturday, September 7, 11 a.m., at Perrysburg First Church, 200 West Second Street.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg First Church or the Way Public Library in Perrysburg, Ohio.