Remembering the life of veteran, Neal Rodney Oakes (Master Sargent USAF Retired).

Neal Rodney Oakes, age 79, of Navarre, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Monday, October 19, 2015.

Neal was born on May 25, 1936, in Portage, Maine. He served honorably and retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of faithful service to our country. After serving in the USAF, he retired again from Civil Service where he served the Navarre Beach community as a Utility Supervisor.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 56 years, Johnnie Lois Stephens Oakes of Holley, Florida. Neal and Johnnie were active members of the First Assembly of God Church of Navarre, Florida. Neal is also survived by his children, Jennie Lynn and Don Vermillion of Mobile, Alabama, Randall Neal and Vanessa Oakes of Orange Park, Florida, Vici Lynn and William Thornton of Hampton, Virginia, and Timothy Ronald and Kristi Oakes of Guaymas, Mexico; ten grandchildren of whom he adored, Brittany Lynn Oakes, Jeremy Ross Finch, Justin Neal Oakes, Tiffany Jordan Lennon, Joshua Steven Finch, Jacob Neal Oakes, Timothy Elijah Oakes, Madison Leigh Oakes, Tyler Josiah Oakes, Emma Lee Oakes; and great granddaughter Elaina Grace Finch.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at Navarre First Assembly of God Church. Visitation will be held 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., prior to the services. Lewis Funeral Home, Navarre, has been entrusted with arrangements.