Walter Eddice Oakes, Sr. ’52

Walter Eddice Oakes, Sr. ’52, of Columbia, N.C., died on June 2 at Chowan Hospital in Edenton. Born in Halifax County May 21, 1928, he was the son of the late Albert Womble and Betty Taylor Oakes. He served in the U.S. Navy for two years after which he attended Gardner Webb College for an additional two years, where he played football. He then transferred to Davidson, where he was on the football and baseball teams. He was known by his teammates as “Sturdy Oaks.” He married Helen Braswell Copeland in 1951. He was a banker in his professional life, and he was a caring husband and father in his personal life. He was an active member of Wesleyan United Methodist Church and also was a member of the Columbia Rotary Club until his vision no longer allowed him to attend meetings. He was an avid jogger and continued that until he died. He will be missed by all who knew him. Surviving are his wife, Helen Braswell Oakes, 1855 N.C. Hwy. 94 N., Columbia, NC 27925; two sons, Walter Eddice Oakes, Jr. (friend, Pam Smith) and William “Billy” Albert Oakes (Sherry); daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Oakes Orr (Richard); two brothers, Taylor Oakes and Albert W. Oakes, Jr.; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.