Mr. Joseph Keith Oakley

Robersonville- Joseph Keith Oakley, 58, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loved ones.

Graveside services will be at Martin Memorial Gardens in Williamston at 11:00 AM. Tuesday , July 28, 2015. Visitation will be at Biggs Funeral Home Monday night from 6:30 – 8:30 PM. in Robersonville, NC.

Keith was a native of Martin County. He was a 1974 graduate of Robersonville High School. He loved NASCAR and loved his family. He worked hard as an owner – operator of a service station in 1974, and in 1978 he went to work with Russell Roebuck, a man who became a lifelong friend and a man that he called “Pa”. In the mid 1980’s, Keith and Mr. Roebuck together formed the fertilizer company of Roebuck and Oakley. In the 90’s, Mr. Roebuck retired and for a while Keith was sole-proprietor until partnering with Terry Boone and Dalton Williams to form the Oakley and Roebuck. In 2002 they merged with Carolina Eastern and changed the name to Eastern Carolina Ag Services. Keith’s life was one of hard work and love for his family. On March 28, 1994 Keith and Laverne were married.

Keith is survived by his wife Laverne of Robersonville; a daughter, Crystal Crandall Oakley of Winterville; a step-daughter, Joy Crandall Copeland and husband Carl of Wilson; Granddaughters Natalie and Allison Copeland of Wilson; Brothers, Walter Oakley and wife Ella of Hamilton; Michael Oakley of Robersonville; Richard Oakley and wife Linda, of Ahoskie; Sisters Barbara Oakley Bullock of Beargrass, Faye Russell and husband Don of Grifton, NC, Becky Griffin and husband Rodney of Robersonville, and Judy Oakley of Robersonville.

He was preceded in death by his sisters Jenny Lee Oakley, Edith Rae James, and his parents Walter and Elsie Rae Oakley.

Keith has gone on to meet his best buddy, “Lucky”, his beloved cat.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Robersonville Rescue Squad or to Robersonville Baptist Church.

Arrangements by Biggs Funeral Home of Williamston and Robersonville, NC