Harrison (Harry) C. Oakley

June 22, 1939 - December 29, 2018

Harrison (Harry) C. Oakley, age 79, of Bristol, VA died peacefully at his home on Saturday evening, December 29, 2018. Harry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara Kelly Oakley; their children, Kim Dishner and her husband, Craig of Winston Salem, NC; Clark Oakley and his wife, Leslie of Bristol, TN; Kelly McBride and her husband, Tal of Bristol, VA; grandchildren, Nicolas Dishner of Murray, UT; Ethan Dishner of Winston Salem, NC; Haley and Conner Oakley of Bristol, TN; Hank, Harrison and Eva Oakley of Bristol, VA; sister, Nancy O. Ratner of Roanoke, VA; brother, Sam Oakley and wife, Jennifer Scharr Oakley of Surry, VA; nieces and nephews, Joel and Lisa Ratner and son, Ben of Centreville, VA; Paul and Julie Ratner of Parker, CO and children, Samantha, Holly, Ethan and Drew; Dan and Nicole Ratner of Bristow, VA and daughters, Emma and Cecley; Karen and John Kennington of Orlando, FL and son, Chase; Sam and Kelly Oakley of Wilmington, NC and daughters, Kaia and Kora; and Brad and Catie Oakley of Wilmington, NC and children, Flynn and Alex. He was preceded in death by his parents Edmund Harrison and Jeane Sutherland Oakley. After spending a number of years in the mortgage-loan and Real Estate business, Harry joined Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Southwest VA as their regional manager where he spent 25 years. He retired from Blue Cross to open his own health insurance agency and was later joined by his wife. After 15 years, the agency was purchased by Kerr-Boswell. Harry enjoyed his retirement years working with his son, Clark, former owner of Whicker Glass where Harry was able to meet and greet the glass customers on daily basis, often renewing old acquaintances. He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church. Harry loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, especially at South Holston Lake. He was never more at home than when he could see and feel the beauty that our mountains and lakes provided. The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers of Caris Home Health Hospice, Dr. James Schrenker and Dr. Andrew Brockmyre. Also they would like to thank Karen Bowman and Amanda Payne who helped with Harry’s care which made it possible for him to stay home during his illness and be surrounded by his family. The committal service will be conducted at 1:30 P.M., Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Central Presbyterian Church followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 P.M., Saturday, January 12, 2019 with Rev. Frank and Ann Aichinger officiating. There will be a reception and visitation in the Central Hall at the church after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be sent to Central Presbyterian Church, 301 Euclid Ave., Bristol, VA 24201 or Healing Hands, 245 Midway Medical, Bristol, TN 37620 Condolences and memories may be left for the family at akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, (423) 989-4800 is serving the Oakley family.