Alvin Lamar "Al" Oakes, Jr.

Alvin Lamar "Al" Oakes, Jr. age 53, of Atlanta, Georgia passed away on Saturday, September 11, 2010, in Volusia County, Florida. Mr. Oakes was born on August 29, 1957, in Atlanta, Georgia. A 1976 graduate of the Rabun Gap - Nacoochee High School in Rabun County, Al attended Gainesville College as well as Lanier Technical College. He enjoyed art restoration and traveled extensively throughout the world where he sought to find artwork that was dated as early as the 16th Century. He was a bright light in the eyes of his family and friends, enjoying life, and bringing laughter that could always fill a room. Al will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Andrew and Stella King Palmer and John F. and Vernie Parker Oakes as well as several aunts and uncles. Survivors include his parents: Alvin Lamar, Sr. and Jane Palmer Oakes, Demorest, GA; his sisters: Angelyn O. Hill, Gainesville, GA; Elise O. Palmer, Cumming, GA; his nieces: Marie Hill Ellis, Heather P. Lester, Lana Elaine Palmer, and Sarah Michelle Palmer, all of Gainesville, GA; his nephews: Joseph Brian Hill and Jacob Steven Palmer, both of Gainesville, GA; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends also survive, including the Charles Clayton Family of Winter Park, FL. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2010 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, GA, with Rev. Matt Thomas, Rev. Johnny Thomas, and the Rev. Randy Hardy officiating. Interment will follow in the Habersham Mills Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel from 7 until 9 p.m. on Thursday, September 16, 2010. Arrangements are in the care of the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel - Demorest, Georgia. (706) 778-1700