Rondoland Walker “Buck” Oakley, 89, of Jacksonville passed away at the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House on Sunday, May 24, 2026. A combination visitation/funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Tar Landing Baptist Church (3884 Richlands Hwy., Jacksonville, NC 28540) with Rev. Jack Marshburn officiating. The visitation will begin at 5:00 PM and the funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM. The family will also receive visitors immediately following the service. Burial with military honors will follow on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Coastal Veterans State Cemetery.

Buck was born the middle child of five children in Florence, SC on August 14, 1936. At a young age, Buck and his siblings were placed in an orphanage (the John De La Howe School, McCormick, SC) after the death of their mother.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Martha Julia Bridgers Oakley, whom he married on November 15, 1959 in Dillon, SC. He is also preceded in death by his father, Daniel Walker Oakley; his mother, Mattie Ettaphine Oakley; two sisters, Lois Black and Geneva Hyman; and one brother, Joey Fludd.

He is survived by one sister, Virginia Lee Coleman of Florence, SC and by three children: two daughters, Debra Brown of Jacksonville (Mike) and Kathy Powell of Holly Ridge; and a son, Dolan Oakley of Jacksonville (Carol). He also has seven grandchildren: Timothy Fisher, Martin Kleisner, Jennifer Hunter, Julia Phillips (Scott), Kevin Brown, Jessica Porczi, and Taylor Nealey (Ryan); and five great-grandchildren: Marlei Phillips, Cooper Phillips, Bobby Hunter, Delaney Nealey, and Walker Nealey (on the way); all of whom he loved dearly.

Buck honorably served his country for 20 years in the United States Marine Corps from the age of 17. He served during the Korean Era and in the Vietnam War. He retired as an E-8 Master Sergeant in 1973. Following his retirement, he enjoyed ministering to other veterans as Chaplain for the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 16 in Jacksonville.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Buck by donating to the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House (PO Box 640, Newport, NC 28570) or the John De La Howe School (192 Gettys Road, McCormick, SC 29835).