Gilbert Moses Oakley, Jr.

Celebration of Life
October 13, 2023, 2pm
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
1520 Canterbury Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27608

Gilbert Moses Oakley Jr., 76, of Durham, NC, passed away on September 25, 2023 at UNC Chapel Hill after a battle with pulmonary fibrosis, surrounded by his family.

Gil was born in Roxboro, NC in 1947 to Gilbert and Ruth Oakley. Gil loved the outdoors and had many adventures with his sisters, cousins, and friends. Starting at a young age Gil worked at his father’s service station supporting the family business. Gil was an avid member of the Boy Scouts, went to Philmont Scout Ranch, and earned his Eagle Scout badge in 1963. Gil graduated from Roxboro High School in 1965, attended UNC and Holding Tech where he received an associate degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1968, he joined the US Army and served in Vietnam. Gil was proud to serve his country.

Gil met the love of his life on a blind date to a Peter Paul and Mary concert in Raleigh, NC. Gil and Jessie were married on June 8, 1969. The young couple moved to Southport, NC where Gil began his career in the nuclear power industry with CP&L. Shortly thereafter, Jessie gave birth to their first two children, Susan and David. Elizabeth was soon to follow, during the family’s brief stint in Jefferson City, Missouri. Gil capped off the final 25+ years of his career in Marietta, Georgia where he worked for the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) in various roles in management, training, and quality control, which suited his skill set and demeanor perfectly.

In 2010 Gil and Jessie returned to Raleigh, NC to be closer to family, make the most of retirement, and maximize time with their young grandchildren. Gil was overjoyed to earn the title “Papa” and delighted his grandkids at every visit. He graciously and patiently passed on his wisdom, ethics, and humor to this next generation. He taught us about respect, trustworthiness, honesty, and dignity.

Quick with a joke, a strong hug, and a prodigious storytelling ability, Gil shared his joy for life with everyone he met. He collected many lifelong friends who love him dearly, including a loyal group of kindred spirits with whom he and Jessie traveled internationally with during retirement. His physical absence from our lives is devastating, but we will carry him in our hearts always.

Gil is survived by his wife of 54 years, Jessie, his daughter Susan (Ben, grandsons William, Zachary, and Matthew), his son David (Katie, granddaughter Emily, and grandson David Jr.), and his daughter Elizabeth (Cortney). Sisters Mary Paige Denny, Jean Oakley, and Rose Anne Langley.

In lieu of flowers, we kindly request donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org