"Remembering David as he walked the halls of St.Mary Hospital sharing his motivation & encouragement leaving his footprint in the St.Mary Hospital legacy . Our sincere sympathy, St.Mary Hospital Community "
In loving memory of
David Ray Oakley, Sr.
April 10, 1940 - January 22, 2022
David R Oakley, Sr., 81, died January 22, 2022 at 7:45 am. He was born on April 10, 1940.
Dave is survived by Mary Kane Oakley, his bride of 62 years. Also survived by five children and their spouses, David and Theresa Oakley of Quincy, Michael and Virginia Oakley of Dakota Dunes, SD, Timothy and Denise Oakley of Sioux City, Ia., Susan (Oakley) and Vincent Gauthier of Kansas City, Mo., Catherine (Oakley) and Gary Bunce of Naperville, Ill. Dave had fourteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Thomas A. Oakley of Quincy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Sullivan Oakley and Thomas C Oakley, one grandson, David Adam Oakley, a brother, Peter A. Oakley, and a sister-in-law, Anne McDonald Oakley.
Dave attended Madison School, Junior High and Quincy High School, then graduated from Lake Forest Academy in Lake Forest, Ill. He graduated from Quincy College with honors. His career started at the Quincy Herald-Whig in the Classified Advertising department, first in sales, then as manager, then as General Advertising Manager. He took great pride in classifieds, "the little ads with great power". During that period, Dave cultivated an appreciation for Sales and was involved in the local Chapter of Sales Marketing and Management and The Quincy Chamber of Commerce. In 1973, Oakley became General Manager of Quincy Broadcasting Company, including WGEM TV and Radio. His role, as Vice President of broadcast operations, gave him responsibility for three other broadcast properties within the company. That role broadened his experience on the national level with NBC Affiliates Board, National Association of Broadcasters, and Radio Advertising Bureau.
In 1984, Oakley founded "Satisfaction Guaranteed", a consulting business that focused on Sales Management, Management Training and Consulting, Personal Business Development and Marketing and Management. Local clientele included Niemann Foods, Penn Daniels, Knaphiede Manufacturing, Kirlins, Coca Cola Bottling, Hardee's, and political campaigns. On the national stage, he had tours with National Association of Broadcasters, Radio Advertising Bureau and Cable Advertising Bureau among others. He volunteered with St. Mary Hospital, United Way and Transitions of Western Illinois.
Oakley led a successful, goal oriented life. He had a keen interest in personal, individual development and took great care to share that passion with others. He generously shared attention and his sense of humor with all that he met. Dave loved to run and cataloged a streak of daily runs that lasted more than 15,000 days. That habit evolved into meeting people all over Quincy and the region. He loved meeting people and making them smile or laugh. Later in life, a special care-giver, Lauryn Sheurman, helped Dave travel in his Ford Mustang to his favorite spots to say hi to all those who wished to talk. He found a formula for success and was happy to share that with all he encountered. He had a great run.
Services: A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter Church.
Visitation: for health safety, no visitation will be held
Burial: Private burial will be at Woodland Cemetery, Quincy, IL
Memorial donations may be made to Salvation Army Quincy Hometown Endowment, Transitions of Western Illinois, Chaddock School Foundation or St. Peter School. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.
Tributes
"Dear Mary and family, Ron, Ted and I and our families want to express our deepest condolences. We have such fond memories of David and the whole family. He was always smiling and genuinely happy to see us. His welcoming spirit made us 3 feel so loved and a true part of the family. Love, Kim Purcell. Ron &Ted Wesley"
"Dave was a kind man.I talked to him many times.Dave loved the community and it's people. GOD Bless"
"My sincerest condolences are with the family. May his memory be a blessing to you."
"Dear Oakley Family, Dave's zest for life & love lives on in each of you and in your spirit. You all brought him a lifetime of pride & joy. May his many contributions to the Gem City and family memories bring you comfort. Lisa & Tom Scholz"
"Mary, sending prayers and hugs to you and your family. Xoxo"
"Rest well good Sir. Such a kind man, who took time to see a person and let them know. He will be missed so. Many condolences to his family. "
"Dear Mary, May the good lord have mercy on David's soul. And may he help you through all this sorrow too. It's been many years since I saw both you when I was at the Pier. I just moved back to Quincy and St. Rose . May God give you strength. My best Paul K. Geers"
"Mary and family, There are a lot of great memories of family get togethers in years past and I will always have fond memories of Dave. He had a great heart. My thoughts and prayers to all of you. Don & Robin Grawe"
"Dave was an inspirational person for the residents of Quincy and a role model to anyone who wanted to run the streets of beautiful Quincy. May you run with the Angels now Dave!"
" Our sincerest condolences are with the Oakley Family. What wonderful person Dave was. We will never forget how welcoming, cordial, and kind, he was when we moved into the neighborhood and met him and Mary for the first time. Our best wishes, thoughts, and prayers, are with the Oakley Family during this difficult time."
"Mary - I have fond memories of Dave doing his training and seminar work. He was full of energy and a very talented professional. He was always cheering our entire community to do better and thrive. Dave made a difference and we will miss him. You are in our prayers Sue & Bill Metzinger "
"Mary, Cathy and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We remember Dave as a very kind and fun-loving person who always took time to talk with friends and colleagues at WGEM. Dad and I will be keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this time. Chuck McMullen and Lori (McMullen) Williams."
"Dear Oakley Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you in this time of sorrow. Curtis and Kathy Fauble"
"Mary, Cathy and family. My thoughts are with all of you. Mr. Oakley always brought passion and laughter to everyone. I am very grateful to have spent time with him while growing up in Quincy. "
"Mary, Dave and Family, We are very sorry we cannot be with you at Dave's wake or service. We are out of town. I pray you remember him as probably the number one marketer and public relations person ever in the Quincy region. One of the most creative people I have ever met in my 74 year old life. His brain never stopped. We are sorry for your pain and suffering. God Bless you and everyone you love.....Mike and Cinda McClain"
"Dear Mary, we?re sorry for your loss of David our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."
"Dear Mary and the Oakley Family, Thinking of you and remembering Dave. as ever, Dick & Pat Wentura"
"Dave. Theresa & entire family our prayers are with you all at this sad time. RIP Jeff & Joanne Bergman"
"Mr Oakley gave so much incentive to people in the medical field He taught St Mary's hospital staff to be proud and work as a team. He encouraged each individual whether they be nursing staff, security or housekeeping to work with each other and make a better place where you work. Thank you David for your courage and teachings."
"Mary & Family: I?m very sorry for your loss. I will always remember Dave saying God Bless You after I prayed for him and you. Eternal rest Dave. Chaplain Mark Wiewel Blessing Hospital"