Obituary of Oakley Harp

Oakley Homer Harp was born on September 3, 1922 to the late Benjamin Harrison Harp and Nola Bell Whittemore. He was one of five siblings. Besides Oakley's parents; step-mother, Mindy Barber Harp, granddaughter, Hillery Leigh Jackson, son-in-law, Michael Jackson, brother, Coy Harp, and sisters, Hortense Scruggs, Versie Haddock, and Carrie Barber also preceded him in death. At the age of twenty, Oakley was called by the army to serve his country during World War II. Oakley was a Field Lineman and received the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, several Theater Ribbons, three Bonze Service Stars, and a Bronze Star Medal. After returning home, He married the former Julia Frances Rittenberry on February 9, 1946. They have shared sixty-seven wonderful years together. They have raised three sons, Herman, Homer, and Eugene, and two daughters, Mary Helen and Winnie Bell. Oakley worked as a laborer for TVA until it closed, and then retired a year later. He enjoyed being outdoors and raising big gardens. As a young man he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Oakley's family meant everything to him and brought him great joy and pride. He was a member of Oakdale General Baptist Church. On October 8th 2013, the Lord called Oakley to his new home. He will be missed by his family and many friends, but our loss is Heaven's Gain. Funeral services for Oakley Harp were conducted Friday at 2 pm from the Chapel of Alexander Funeral Home with Reverend Carlean Kirby officiating. David Harp, Preston Jackson, Keith Harp, Daniel Harp, Jason Harp, and Wes Bowling served as Active Pallbearers. Mickey Thompson, and Jeffrey Myers served as Honorary Pallbearers. Interment followed in the Oakdale Cemetery. Oakley is survived by; Wife, Julia Frances Harp of Lafayette, TN, Sons, Herman (Debbie) Harp of Lafayette, TN, Homer Harp of the Rocky Mound Community in Macon County, TN, Eugene (Sharon) Harp of Lebanon, TN, Daughters, Mary Helen (James) Hundley of Chattanooga, TN, and Winnie Bell (Mark) Slate of Allensville, KY, Grandchildren, Becky Harp, Preston (Shawn) Jackson, Wes Bowling, Jason (Jennifer) Harp, Daniel (Brandi) Harp, Keith Harp, and David Harp, Step-Grandchildren, Mickey (Denise) Thompson, and Jeffrey Myers, Great-Grandchildren, Sydney and Marley Jackson, Brandt Harp, and Oakley Thomas Wright, and Step-Great-grandchildren, Abbigail Thompson, and Amanda Mitchell also survive. Alexander Funeral Home, Directors, in charge of arrangements. (615)666-2189 or www.alexanderfh.com