V. Oakley Slaughter

Posted on July 18, 2018

V. Oakley Slaughter, 95, a fifth generation Floridian, died Saturday, July 7, 2018, at his home in Columbia, Tenn.

Born April 22, 1923 in Bradenton, he was the second son of Robert Eugene Slaughter and Annie Lorene Smith Slaughter. On November 5, 1943, he married the love of his life, Althea Murray Carter Slaughter. Following seventy years of marriage, Althea preceded him death in 2014. Oakley was a lifetime member of the Church of Christ, worshipping most recently with the Smyrna Road congregation in Lewisburg, Tenn.

Survivors include: his son, Bob Slaughter (Pam) of Columbia, Tenn., and daughters, Candace Blankenship (Claude) of Brentwood, Tenn., and Debby Rowley (Alan) of Melbourne, Australia. He had 10 grandchildren living from coast to coast in the US and in Australia, and 24 great-grandchildren. Oakley was also survived by: his sister, Dora Ella Sheffield of Florida; and his sister-in-law, Priscilla Holbert of Virginia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Oakley was preceded in death by: his brother, Cyril O (Buck) Slaughter; his sister, Dorma Jean Slaughter; and his eldest son, Richard Greg Slaughter.

As a Christian, his first priority in life was always the will of God. He was a faithful man of God, serving as an elder in three congregations and teaching Bible classes. He never missed an opportunity to encourage others in their love for and obedience to the Lord while remaining a humble and dedicated servant himself.

Oakley was a grocer by occupation. He started work with his local A&P Food store when he was just a youngster, working with them part-time when he was a student and full-time after graduating from high school. He returned to A&P after serving in the US Navy, seeing active duty in WWII including involvement at Normandy in the D-Day invasion. He worked with A&P in numerous roles over a 43-year career after which he became the owner of Towne Square Grocery in Perry. The store opened many avenues of ministry for Oakley as he reached out to people in all walks of life. He retired from his career at 69.

The honorary and active pall bearers are: Oakley’s grandsons Mike Rapp, Trace Blankenship, Chris Alley, Kevin Demoff, CJ Blankenship, Jon Blankenship and Chris Blankenship; great-grandson, Blaine Hendry; and dear friends, Buster Collins and Roscoe Brannon.

The family visited with friends Monday, July 9, from 5-8 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Columbia, Tenn., and on Tuesday, July 10, from 12-1 p.m. A funeral service was held Tuesday, July 10, at 1 p.m. with Earl Campbell officiating. Interment followed at Polk Memorial Gardens.

A special thanks to Oakley’s friends far and wide who spent time visiting with him, calling, sending cards and church bulletins, and holding him in their prayers.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Evangelism Missions, Stewartsville Church of Christ, PO Box 93, Cloverdale, Alabama 35617 Attn: Wayne Barrier

Williams Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.williamsfh.com.