Willie James Oakley, born on May 6, 1944, in Laurel, Mississippi, to the late Ammie Lee and Norman Oakley Sr. He was the third of seven children. Affectionately known as "Moses," Willie was often seen walking the streets of Gulfport with his handmade cane, strolling along the beaches with a carefree spirit as if he owned the world. He loved to entertain his children, dancing in the open and sharing stories of his younger days, tales so unusual that one could never be sure whether they were fact or fiction.

Willie attended Oak Park High School in Laurel, Mississippi. He was a devoted member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where he was baptized and dedicated his life to Christ. His faith remained strong, and he actively attended services until the COVID pandemic. Even during his absence, he continued to pay tithes until his passing.

Family was at the heart of Willie's life. He cherished Sunday dinners at his sister Connie's house, where he found joy in the company of his loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ammie Lee and Norman Oakley Sr.; his sisters, Betty Jean and Carolyn Oakley; and his brother, Norman Oakley Jr.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: his daughter, Felicia Jackson of Laurel, Mississippi; his son, Stephen (Donna) Jackson of Omaha, Nebraska; and his grandchildren, Miles and Ari Jackson of Omaha, Nebraska. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann G. Smith of Gulfport and Connie M. Davis Godfrey of Long Beach, Mississippi; his brother, Dwight Oakley of Gulfport; and his special cousin, Sharon Tucker of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Additionally, he is fondly remembered by his nephews, Reginald (Mary) Godine, Roosevelt Carson, and Timothy Vaughn; his nieces, Twanda (Chelvis) Godine, Erica (Howard) Newkirk, Latoya (Jonathan) Plummer, Carlisle (Tory) Winro; and a host of grandnieces and nephews.

Willie James Oakley will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who will forever cherish his memory and the warmth he brought into their lives.