Rev. Alvin L. Oakes, Sr., age 86 of Demorest, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2014 at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Born in Jonesboro, Georgia on June 13, 1928, he was a son of the late John Franklin & Vernie Parker Oakes. Rev. Oakes was a graduate of Mercer University and did further graduate work through the University of Georgia as well as Georgia Southern University. He married Jane Angeline Palmer on April 25, 1953. Throughout his career in education and ministry, Rev. Oakes taught high school English and pastored in several Baptist Churches across Georgia. He impacted the lives of many of his students as he helped to guide them throughout their years in school and beyond. Rev. Oakes was a member of the Habersham Baptist Church where he was active for many years in the Senior Adult Sunday School Class.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Alvin “AL” L. Oakes, Jr., brothers, John P., Cephas, William, & Roger Oakes, sisters, Mozelle Fauscett, Agnes Mitchell, & Marie Cragg.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Jane Palmer Oakes, Demorest; daughters, Angelyn Oakes Hill, Gainesville; Elise Oakes Palmer, Clarkesville; grandchildren, Heather & Scott Jordan, Sandy Springs; Lana & Chris Green, Cleveland; Marie & J.J. Ellis, Brian Hill, Sarah Palmer, Jacob Palmer, all of Gainesville; sister, Martha Daniel; sister-in-law, Betty Oakes, both of Jonesboro; several nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
A homegoing celebration service will be held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2014 in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Porter and the Rev. Larry Daniel officiating. Interment will follow in the Habersham Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 3 p.m. until the service hour on Wednesday.
Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Habersham Baptist Church, 506 Old Habersham Mills Road, Demorest, Georgia 30535, or to a charity of one’s choice.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of the arrangements.
