Businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist Millard v. Oakley passed away early this morning, he was 91 years old.

Oakley graduated from Livingston Academy in 1947 and then attended Tennessee Tech. Oakley graduated from Cumberland University Law School in 1951 and began practicing law. He worked in his Main Street law office most days into his 90s.

He served in the state legislature, was General Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives’ Select Committee on Small Business, and became the State Insurance Commissioner under Governor Ray Blanton.  In 1965, Mr. Oakley was integral in forming what would later grow into the First National Bank of Tennessee with offices in Crossville, Livingston, Algood, Cookeville and Sparta. In 1968 he developed Renegade Resort near Crab Orchard.  Thru the years, he had also owned several Radio Stations in Livingston, Cookeville, Monterey, Crossville, Dayton, Kingston and Newport, Tennessee.  He was on the Board of Directors for numerous businesses, colleges, and non-profit organizations.  He was instrumental in attracting many new businesses to the Upper Cumberland area.   He and his wife J.J. donated millions of dollars and thousands of acres of land to Tennessee Tech in Cookeville and Cumberland University in Lebanon.

An honoring of life service for Millard V. Oakley will be held starting at 3 pm Sunday, April 24th at the First Christian Church,  320 Oakley Street, Livingston, TN.  The family will receive friends from 1 pm until 3 pm.  The family will have a private graveside service.