Willis R. Oakes

Willis “Cookie” Oakes was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in 1976 for his excellence as a baseball player during his collegiate career. In addition to his contributions on the baseball team, Oakes also lettered in football and was a member of Phi Gamma Phi social fraternity.

After graduating from E&H in 1950 with a bachelor of science degree, Oakes went on to earn a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Tennessee School of Engineering in 1953. He worked for 29 years as a chemical engineer for Hoechst-Celanese Corporation before retiring.

Outside of his career, Oakes was engaged in the Pearisburg Planning Commission, Kiwanis Club, and the Masonic Lodge among other civic activities.

Willis Ray Oakes passed away at age 78 on June 25, 2007.