Out of respect, I probably should have found a better picture. But this image will be instantly recognizable for all of you who know and love Rodney, who passed into the arms of the Lord two days ago on Tuesday, August 14, after suffering injuries from an explosion on his houseboat. This picture was taken on one of our roofing days, and, as always, Rodney was the first to arrive on the jobsite, smiling and laughing, working hard and enjoying God's people. Rodney Oakes was a man who understood that faith without works doesn't amount to much. Our love and deepest sympathy go out to his wife, Ann, and to his children Tanya and Del and Rachel, and to his grandchildren and relatives and all who loved Rodney.
Our lives were touched by this man. Think of all who:
...rode thousands of miles in packed vehicles with him to put on a roof, or camp, or see some new part of the country.
...slept in freezing cabins,deserted islands or sweltering canyons with him. The rougher the conditions, the more he loved it.
...laughed and joked and shared stories around a fire with him.
...hammered nails, served meals, joined in missions of mercy engineered by Rodney.
...listened to his homespun wisdom, and enjoyed his "Gee Whiz!" laugh.
...were pointed by the example of his life to Jesus.
Think of all whose lives were enriched by the life of Rodney Oakes, and give thanks.
Here's Rodney's obituary:
Rodney D. Oakes, age 72, of Johnson City, died Tuesday afternoon at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center from complications resulting from severe burns suffered in a boating accident at Watauga Lake on August 10. Oakes, a committed Christian, invested his life in helping others and serving churches as youth minister in Florida, Kansas, Tennessee and Illinois. He was also a trustee at Hopwood Memorial Christian Church. Mr. Oakes was employed by EPS Trucking. Rodney is survived by his devoted wife, Ann and children, Tanya Babik (Walton, KY), Del and Rachel Oakes (Hampton, TN). His surviving sister, Sara Ruth Moore, resides in Johnson City. Mr. Oakes was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Rachel Oakes of Milligan College and sister Barbara Baker of Knoxville. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Katie, Lydia, Jenny, Mandi, Jerrod, Leah, Joy, Nick and Colton. Rodney is also survived by Billie Oakes Watkins. Mr. Oakes was born in Johnson City on December 26, 1934 and served the community as a Scoutmaster and often led expeditions for students at Mountain Mission School. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts in honor of Rodney’s life be made to Hopwood Memorial Christian Church Care Fund, P.O. Box 149, Milligan College, TN 37682.
Funeral services for Rodney D. Oakes will be held on Saturday, August 18, at 10:00 a.m. at Seeger Memorial Chapel, Milligan College. The family will receive visitors afterwards at Hopwood Memorial Christian Church, where lunch will be served.
