Kenneth "Ken" H. Oakley Jr., DDS

Kenneth Holmes Oakley, Jr., DDS, affectionately known as “Ken”, died on Wednesday morning, March 9, 2022 at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh. Born on February 22, 1935 in Roxboro, NC, he was the son of the late Kenneth H. Oakley and Frances Long Oakley.

Ken grew up in Raleigh and attended Broughton High School, graduating in 1953. He completed his undergraduate studies at UNC, and then attended dental school at UNC, graduating in 1960 with his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. While at UNC he met Marian Dickens, whom he married in June of 1958. After serving as a dentist in the Air Force at Lockbourne AFB in Ohio, Ken and Marian (and son David) moved back to Raleigh and Ken opened a dental practice in Cameron Village. Ken served as a dentist in Cameron Village for 38 years, retiring in 2001. During this time he and Marian raised three children (David, Robert, and Kathryn).

Ken attended a Billy Graham crusade in 1974 and placed his faith and trust in Jesus Christ for his salvation. Ken devoted his life to growing in his faith and serving his Lord. He attended Providence Baptist Church, where he enjoyed serving others as a Deacon, and Christ Baptist Church. He led discussion groups in Bible Study Fellowship and in the Men’s Bible Study at Providence. Ken also donated his dental services to people in need. God gifted him with wisdom, and he consistently provided Biblical counsel to his family and friends.

Ken is survived by his wife of 63 years: Marian Dickens Oakley; children: David Oakley and wife Shawn, of Raleigh, Robert Oakley and wife Stacy, of Durham, and Kathryn Hall and husband David John, Jr., of Garner; sister Newell Davis and husband Herb, of Lexington; nieces Rachael Cruikshank, husband Andy, and daughters Kate and Ellen; and Beth Raynor and husband Wayne; grandchildren Rachel Oakley; Grayson Oakley, wife Ellen, and daughter Piper; Sarah Conner and husband Joseph; Lincoln Oakley; Morgan Gumbo, husband Clement, and daughters Mariah and Gianna; Taylor Oakley and wife Erin; Carrson Oakley and wife Brooke; Nathan Oakley; Hannah Oakley; Noelle Oakley; Jessica Hall; Natalie Hall; Lydia Hall; and Valerie Hall.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 1-2 pm at Mitchell Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 2 pm in the funeral home chapel, with interment to follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of Ken or a message of condolence to his family, you may do so below within "add a memory".