Larry Thomas Oakes (Tuffy), died peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Born July 27, 1949, to Wilbur and Dorothy Oakes, he grew up in North Chattanooga, attending The Baylor School and graduating from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. He was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.

He married Nancy Watson in 1973, and they raised their family in Hixson. His family was his life, and it expanded beyond their home to friends and neighbors. His career selling construction equipment was remarkable in the relationships he built with colleagues, partners, customers, and anyone he could help. He was a man of quiet faith, hearty laughter, and deep commitment to his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, his in laws Jack and Jane Watson, and many Johnson family aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Nancy; his sons, Andy, Will, and Lucas; brothers Butch (Sandra), and Don (Lindy); brother in law Fred Watson (Geda); nieces and nephews Sandy Michum (John), Wendy Wilhelm (Chad), Michael Oakes (Lisa), Brian Oakes (Sylvia), Elizabeth Valderrama (Jose), and Sara Watson; aunts Opal Brown, Bitsy Lee and uncle Bobby Joe Johnson; Johnson family cousins; and life long friends Susan, Erin, and Jim Thurman.

A family funeral was held July 16, at St Paul's Episcopal Church, the Reverend Christopher Hogin officiating. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the team at Hearth Hospice for their care, comfort, and dignity these past weeks.