Beverly Thomas Oakes age 85 formerly of Norfolk passed away Saturday March 12, 2016 in Martinsville. He was born January 25, 1931 in Pittsylvania County to the late Ruben Mack and Myrtle Alice Bennett Oakes. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his two brothers, Leonard Mack Oakes and Milton Junior Oakes, and one sister, Gladys O. Oakes.

Mr. Oakes was a graduate of Franklin County High School and received a welding certificate from Patrick Henry C.C. He worked at the Norfolk Shipyards as a welder for 29 years. He was also a veteran of the Korean Conflict, having served in the U.S. Air Force rising to the rank of SSG. For his service Mr. Oakes was awarded the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

He is survived by his son Thomas Winston Oakes of Salem, VA, two sisters, Jewel O. Laprade of Penhook, and Sandra A. Oakes of Bedford, one grandson, Thomas Walter Oakes, and several nieces and nephews.

His funeral service will be Wednesday March 16, 2016 at 11:00 am in the Roselawn Chapel with Pastor Derek Layman officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Burial Park with military honors by the Martinsville Henry County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service in the Roselawn Chapel.

Online condolences may be entered at www.roselawnchapelfuneralhome.com.