Jack Oakley III, 64, of Florence, AL, took the last
train home on Monday, July 5, 2021, surrounded by his
beloved wife, Lynn, and other family members.

Jack was born on January 28, 1957, in Florence, AL, to
Jack and Lena Ruth Oakley. He was born and raised in
Florence. He didn't want to be anywhere else. Florence
and the West side were home. He accepted Christ at an
early age and was an active member of St. James Baptist
Church. He loved the Lord and always wore his cross
necklace. He worked as a conductor for the Southern
Railroad Company for 43 years and retired in 2018. He
married Lynn Stuart in 1990, blended their families,
and the 31-year adventure began.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother,
and friend. He lacked no confidence in his sense of style.
He knew he looked good. When he stepped out in his
cowboy boots, biker's vest, and perfectly manicured
handlebar mustache, he owned the room. Even in the
final days, he wanted his hair to look right. No one could
carry that signature look like him.

He worked hard and played harder. He had a great toy
box (big trucks, classic cars, boats, RV, and motorcycles).
He enjoyed anything with an engine but held a special
place in his heart for his "Baby Girl." Those in the
motorcycle community know her well. She was always
clean and road-ready.

If you needed a friend, you could always find Jack at his
second home, the garage. It was a place where you could
get a cold drink, a good cigar, and talk about the little
things. He was never too busy for a good conversation.
No need for a mechanic; he could fix it. You didn't even
need to bring it to him; he could tell you what to do over
the phone.

Jack was quick-witted with a dry sense of humor. He
had a story or a joke. His eyes would dance as he spoke,
and you could expect a laugh or two. In Jack's spare
time, he loved to fish. He had river water in his blood. It
was always a competition with his friends for bragging
rights. Whatever they caught, they fried.

He loved his kids. Made each of them feel unique, no
matter where they were located. He would call his oldest
daughter daily so she would not feel the distance and
was always available for his kids when they stopped by
the house to share their day. He was a good listener and
gave good advice.

Although Jack had a warm heart, he loved a cold room.
You knew you needed a jacket when you visited him. He
could talk your ear off and would end the conversation
with "talk to the later" or "see you later;" never GoodBye. It wasn't something he ever said. He understood
that the word Good-Bye had no meaning.

In honor of Jack, we ask that you don't say Good-Bye,
since you will see him later.

Jack is survived by his wife, Lynn; his children,
Tynell, Hosiah, Chandra, Calandra, Maddilynn, and
Emmanuel; eight grandchildren, three great; siblings,
Jeanette (James), Robbie (Helen), Mildred, Benjamin,
and Bradly (Cassandra); brother-in-law, Jesse; sisters-in-law, Lena (Richard) and Dorothy Karon; special
friends, Paul Cook and Richard Ed Turner.
Jack was preceded in death by his father, Jack, mother,
Lena, son, Nigel, sister, Mary, sister-in-law, Lillie,
brothers-in-law, Harold and Greg, nephew, Brent, and
niece, Kayla.