Raleigh Lee Oakes III

Raleigh Lee Oakes, III, aka “RL” (74), of Manassas, Virginia, passed away on December 13, 2023 at Prince William Medical Center, after a three (3) year battle with cancer and renal failure. On his final day, he was surrounded by his loving family, whom he loved more than anything else in the world. Raleigh is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Debra L. Snyder Oakes; twin daughters, Gretchen E. Oakes, Sara A. Anthony, and grandson, Elijah E. Anthony of Manassas, Virginia; brother, Chris S. Oakes of Grottoes, Virginia; and close friends/cousins/extended family. Raleigh, fondly known as “Big Daddy” was born to Raleigh Lee Oakes, Jr. and Louise Rexrode Oakes, on November 1, 1949, in Rockingham County, Virginia. He graduated in 1968 from Montevideo High School located in Elkton, Virginia and served twelve (12) years in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam Era, as a Telecommunications System Control Technician. After the military, he worked as a Civilian, for several Government Contractors as an Information Technology Specialist in the National Capital Region (NCR). He was an active volunteer firefighter in Grottoes, Virginia and Prince William County, Virginia. He served as President of Coles District Volunteer Fire Department, as well as Representative to Prince William County Fire Board. He was an avid hunter and bass fisherman. He served as the Secretary of VA Bass Club, Region 9. One of his biggest accomplishments was being a father and grandfather. He was a very active and involved father as he coached his daughter’s softball team(s); traveling to in-state softball tournaments. He also loved to watch/cheer his grandson on while playing basketball, football, and soccer. Raleigh was a devoted lover of his pets. He had a big heart for all his dogs from his Setters (Irish, English, Gordon), Gold Retrievers, Goldendoodle, and Bichon Frise’ grandpups. Raleigh was known for his witty sense of humor, sarcasm, and loving heart. He wore his heart on his sleeve as he often put others needs before his own. His ability to make others laugh/smile will truly be missed. Graveside services with Military Honors, to be officiated by Pastor Leach of Manassas Pentecostal, will be held, on Friday, December 29, 2023, 12:30pm at Quantico National Cemetery, 18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, Virginia. We respectfully request everyone attending the funeral, to meet at 11:00am, at Pierce-Price Funeral Home located at 9609 Center Street, Manassas, Virginia 20110 and will collectively depart by 11:30am for the funeral procession to Quantico National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Veteran’s Organization of your choice.

Raleigh Lee Oakes III

November 1, 1949 - December 13, 2023