Thomas Joseph Oakley

Thomas “Tom” Joseph Oakley, 71, of Los Angeles, CA, succumbed to cancer on Monday October 16, 2017 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, CA.  Tom was born December 13, 1945 in Long Island, NY to Elizabeth M Oakley of Asheboro, NC and Thomas T Oakley of Mebane, NC.

Tom spent his career teaching people to play bridge and was a professional competitor based in Los Angeles; he helped over 300 people become Life Masters of the American Contract Bridge League.  Tom lived a rich life of traveling, playing bridge, and golfing.  He was an avid collector of coins and a historian of the Golden Age of Cinema.  Tom was well known and loved for his gift of conversation and weaving of stories.  In his youth, Tom was a regular fixture at Asheboro Municipal Golf Course and Pinehurst Country Club.  He was a member of Industry Hills Golf Club in Los Angeles, CA, and he enjoyed rounds of golf until his last days.

Tom is survived by his wife Anna L Corea; son John R Oakley and his wife Martha R Oakley of Cleburne, TX; two grandchildren Alora Nichols Oakley and Benjamin Thomas Oakley; and four siblings Richard Oakley, David Oakley, Carol O Kinney and Michael Oakley. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to www.ArniesArmy.com.  This organization was started by one of Tom’s favorite golfers, and it helps children with cancer and teaches under privileged children to play golf.