Nelson Oakley

Harrell Nelson Oakley, 77, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, October 18, at St. Bernard’s Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Nelson was born March 19,1946, in Searcy, Arkansas, the son of Willis Harrell Oakley and Mary Lucille Nelson.

He married Cathy Wilhelm on November 3, 2001, in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

Nelson lived most of his life in Arkansas. He graduated from Harrisburg High School in 1964 and attended Arkansas State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1969. He had a long and successful career with Helena Chemical Company. He also worked for Wilbur Ellis and UAP finally retiring from CPS in 2012.

He was a proud member of the Army National Guard of Arkansas, serving six years and attaining the rank of Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1972.

Nelson loved flying airplanes, playing cards and listening to jazz, but mostly he loved his family dearly and spending time with his many friends.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy, his daughters, Mendy (Darren) Fisher and Lee Miller and his sister Margaret (Bob) Holloway.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of his life will be held at Emerson Memorial Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 4, with Don Martin officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests online donations be made in his memory to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Nelson Oakley.