William J. “Bill” Oakes, age 87, of Baldwin, passed away on Thursday, September 12, 2019. Born on December 16, 1931, in Habersham County, he was the son of the late Henry Dorsey and Ethel Leon Ayers Oakes. Mr. Oakes was a United States Air Force Veteran and a Western Wear Salesman. He was a member of Free Chapel Worship Center and loved to serve his Lord. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Carolyn Stancill. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Rev. William Dwight Oakes and Tammy of Winder and granddaughter, Cali Oakes of Winder. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 14, 2019, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin and Stewart Funeral Home with Rev. Dwight Oakes and Rev. Adam Humphries officiating. Interment will follow in Level Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until the service hour on Saturday at the funeral home. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. MCGAHEE-GRIFFIN & STEWART FUNERAL HOME OF CORNELIA, GEORGIA (706/778-8668) IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.