OBITUARY: Thomas Donald Oakley

Thomas Donald Oakley died Oct. 25, 2025 in Lebanon at the age of 86 years.

Born Sept. 17, 1939, Donald was a lifelong resident of Wilson County and Watertown. He was the son of the late Thomas Fate Oakley and Alberta Bennett Oakley and was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Joan and Bobby Harvey; and grandparents, William Haskell Oakley (Mary Annie Netherton) and Charlie Brown Bennett (Effie Lena Jones).

Donald was a 1958 graduate of Watertown High School and a member of Immanuel Baptist Church for 63 years. He was a 34 year employee of DuPont in Old Hickory and after retirement he spent 18 years with Manheim Auto Auction. Donald served his country as a member of the Tennessee Army National Guard of 9 years.

Donald is survived by his wife of 65 years, Glenda Hammers Oakley; children, Anita Faye Oakley (Greg Jordan), Donald Wayne Oakley (April Deshea) and David Allen Oakley (Lori Howard); grandchildren, Holly Danielle Cox, Ashley Nichole (Brian) Sevier, Thomas Harrison (Haley) Oakley, Leigha Michele Oakley, Cody J. Oakley Raymond, Deshea Bree Oakley and Anya Breez Oakley; great grandchildren, Payton Alexandra (Tucker) Headrick, Ashton Rhea Harris, Carlee Faye Sevier and Lucas Sevier; his brother, Ronald Oakley and his wife, Dorothy and sister-in-law, Ruth Dobson; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Donald is also survived by close friends, James Camp, his cousin, Randall Oakley and his wife, Maliea; Carl and Jane Wood, Dwight and Shelia Farris. He loved his family, friends, cows and University of TN football.

At Donald’s request, a private interment will be held at Wilson Co. Memorial Park in Lebanon. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Gideons International or the Wilson County Veterans Association.