James David Oakes, 57, of Columbia, a native of Sparta, passed away Oct. 7, 2023, at Maury Regional Medical Center, in Columbia.
David was born March 31, 1966, in Sparta.
A 1984 graduate of White County High School, he was a member of the tennis team and drummer in the marching band. In fact, his love of playing the drums would continue throughout his life. He worked as a carpenter where his eye for meticulous detail provided well for him and his niche in the finishing details of a home. David loved spending his extra time at his family’s cabin with his girls and grandchildren, where he enjoyed tinkering on the cabin and fishing. David will always be remembered as an instant friend to those he met, fun and encouraging to everyone, always leaving them with an enthusiastic YERT!
Surviving family members left to cherish his memory include his four daughters, Halle Oakes, Ellah Oakes, Summer Gray and husband Sam, Peyton Barron and husband Robby; grandchildren, Anabelle Gray, Bennett Barron, Barrett Barron, Georgia Owen, Grayson Oakes; parents, Jim and Sandra Oakes; brother, Robert Oakes and wife Sylinia; and nieces, Laney Crosland and husband Cole, Sophie Clark and husband Kade.
Funeral service was 1 p.m., Oct. 10, 2023, at Hunter Funeral Home, with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. John Knox officiated.
Rodney Hutson, Matt McClain, Robby Barron, Sam Gray, Doug Shapiro, and Wayne Farris will served as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers were Todd Bohannon, Mark Merryman, Jeff Gore, Paul Holeman, and Mark Ray.
Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
