Joel Thomas Oakey, 90, passed away surrounded by family at his home in Severna Park on May 7th 2014. He was buried in a private graveside ceremony at Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn Park. Joel was born January 20, 1924 in Mobile, Alabama to Edwin A. Oakey and Anna Oakey (Shelton) and came to Anne Arundel County when he was 8 years old. Joel, the consummate entrepreneur, started and sold many businesses and was well known in Anne Arundel County. His most recent business success was Bay Kitchens on Ritchie Highway that was sold when he retired. He was an expert stonemason and builder. He designed, remodeled and built many homes, churches and other buildings in the area. Joel was an outstanding wood worker and his wonderful wood projects, both large and small, grace many homes today. Joel served in the Army Air Corp in World War II and was stationed in a number of locations in Europe. He was an Aero-Engineer on B-17s and also flew combat missions in the Thunderbolt, P-47, as one of the Flying Sergeants. He was a member of the Navy League, served as a Deputy Sheriff in Anne Arundel County for many years and belonged to a number of other organizations. Joel was a member of the Masonic Order, Glen Burnie Lodge #213, since 1946 and joined the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in 1962.

Joel is survived by his wife Mildred (Everd); his sister, Evelyn Calvert; his son, Larry Oakey (Elizabeth); two grandchildren, Mathew Oakey and Alison Shephard (Adam); and a great-grandaughter, Nora Shephard; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A Memorial service will be held 2PM on May 23rd at the Severna Park United Methodist Church, 731 Benfield Road, Severna Park, Maryland. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake (www.hospicechesapeake.org) or to the Masonic Lodge #213, 11 Crain Highway N., Glen Burnie, MD 21061.