Ellwood F. Oakley Iii

Ellwood “Ebb” Oakley passed away on January 16 from complications of a rare form of leukemia. He is survived by many members of the Oakley Family including his wife, Lois; his daughters, Alden and Blair; his granddaughter, Emery; his sisters, Anna Megginson (Joel) of Rogers, AR, and Jackie Harrison (Ben) of Rome, GA; his nephews, Joel Megginson, Jr. of Venice, FL and Timothy Harrison (Elizabeth Hearn); and his nieces, Robyn Aronowitz (Eric) of Rogers, AR and Maggie Harrison (Zelda Saeli) of San Francisco. Additional family members include his sister-in-law, Beth Stanford, and the wonderful children of his nieces and nephews. Ebb’s devotion to the wellbeing of each of these family members was legendary.

Ebb was distinguished by many gifts, all of which he shared in abundance. He was blessed with a searing intelligence, natural leadership skills, a powerful gift of expression, passion for excellence and thoughtful analysis of public policy. Unfailingly, Ebb dedicated himself to discourse regarding the marginalized in our midst. His loss will be felt by the many who knew him as a friend, as well as those who knew him in his public roles as an outstanding attorney; an award-winning professor; and an unparalleled corporate trainer, mediator, and hearing officer.

From the outset, Ebb was recognized as a special person. He excelled despite the limited number of opportunities for leadership provided in a rural South Alabama town of five hundred. Ebb achieved numerous accolades including: election as President of Student Government; election as President of Future Farmers of America; selection as his county’s representative to Alabama Boy’s State; election as the Vice-President of the Honor Society; and choice as his High School Class’s Graduation Speaker. His abiding love for sports found an outlet in Varsity Basketball and Football and he enjoyed his role as the Sports Editor of the High School annual. Notably, Ebb was most proud of his recognition as an exemplary orator and debate participant. He enjoyed regaling an audience of beloved

friends about his debate competitions against opponents who later emerged as prominent Alabama politicians, including– former Senator Jeff Sessions, and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey.

The recognition of Ebb’s extraordinary gifts continued at Auburn University. He was a member of Phi Eta Sigma (Freshman Honor Society); chosen as member of the Interfraternity Council on which he served as Secretary and Superintendent of Campus Relations; selected for membership in the Squires Honorary Society; honored by selection as a member of Omicron Delta Kappa; and listed as a member of Who’s Who among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Most recently, Ebb was chosen as the Featured Speaker at the Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Beta Theta Chapter of Sigma Nu. Of significance, his remarks upon that occasion reflected the guiding principle for his life: “Sigma Nu was and remains a group of men with diverse interests and family backgrounds who have a common interest in diversity and a common respect for that diversity . . . it is our obligation to continue to model that strength and respect for future generations.”

Upon graduation, Ebb was lured by the corporate world. Discovering that his passion lay elsewhere, Ebb commenced post-graduate study of public policy at Emory University. He reveled in the academic challenges found at Emory, and immensely enjoyed the opportunities for engagement in high level debates. Among hiswith his fellow students whose membership included a high level aide to future President Jimmy Carter.

Ebb’s graduate studies were interrupted by the escalation of our country’s involvement in the Vietnam. Honorably, Ebb set aside his personal misgivings about that conflict and joined the United States Navy. He was selected to attend Officer Candidate School and the Naval Justice School and he served his country as a Lieutenant, J.G. on the USS BOSTON (CA 69). His patriotism was recognized by receipt of a medal commemorating his service during the Vietnam conflict; his receipt of a National Defense Service Metal; and his receipt of the Bronze Star. Ebb’s release from the military was followed by a life of continuing patriotism, Despite a demanding law practice and immersion in his family’s life, Ebb provided pro-bono legal services to Vietnam Veterans. A large United States flag was proudly displayed at the entry to his home, and the Fourth of July was the

occasion for hosting a large gathering of family and friends in celebration of the principles upon which our country was founded.

During his tour of duty in Southeast Asia, Ebb endured many long and lonely nights of “keeping watch” on the forward decks of the ship. He used these moments of solitude to reflect upon the trajectory of his life and led him to pursue his interests in the implementation of public policies inspired by compassion for the marginalized. Upon release from active duty, Ebb returned to Atlanta to continue graduate study at Emory University. He earned a Master of Arts upon publication of a thesis exploring the provision of legal services to residents of impoverished urban neighborhoods.

Ebb furthered his education by choosing to attend Georgetown University School of Law. During law school, Ebb immersed himself in a curriculum designed to sharpen his understanding of the legal constructs of public policy. He aggressively pursued a course of study taught by distinguished Washington practitioners and enrolled in specialized advanced courses taught by Georgetown’s distinguished faculty. In addition to his course work, Ebb enjoyed the opportunity to observe the machinations of Capitol Hill. He enjoyed his work as a legal aide in the Office of former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn, and was a regular in the audience of the Watergate Committee.

Upon becoming a member of the State Bar of Georgia, Ebb distinguished himself as an exceptionally well prepared and tireless advocate for the best interest of his clients. His personality played a large role in his advocacy. As in his private dealings, Ebb was approachable and eminently amiable. He was distinguished in his ability to understand an adversary’s position and his craftsmanship of an agreement which allowed both his client and adversary to seek to embrace an agreeable position. His legal career was distinguished in many ways, but most memorably by his unerring acknowledgement of the humanity and dignity of each person with whom he had dealings.

Ebb eventually left the private practice of law to serve Atlanta’s business community. He was lured by the Dean of the J. Mack Robinson School of Business at Georgia State University with responsibility for the development of a Business Ethics curriculum. As in every other venture, Ebb excelled in the academic arena. His engaging and deeply thoughtful approach to ethical

decision-making made a profound impact on numerous students. Ebb’s passion for stimulating discussion about business ethics was rewarded by his receipt of numerous recognitions. He served as a Tenured Professor in the Robinson College Department of Risk Management and Insurance; a Professor in the Robinson College Executive MBA program, a collaborator with the School of Law, and participant in programs hosted by the Center for Law, Health and Society at the Georgia State College of Law. His publication of articles about ethical decision-making and engaging performances as a sought-after corporate trainer enriched the Atlanta business community. He was the 1999 recipient of the Board of Regents Teaching Excellence Award. During his association with Georgia State University, Ebb enjoyed his service during the annual Legislative Session as a aide to Lieutenant Governor Pierre Howard. He was proud of his work in helping engineer the enactment of Georgia’s Peach Care for Kids which today provides healthcare for over one million of Georgia’s children. It was his pleasure to serve as the Chairperson of Georgia’s- Certificate of Need Appeal Panel.

A Memorial Service will be held on February 13 at 2:00 pm at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church with a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers the Oakley Family requests that contributions be made to Peachtree Road UMC, 3180 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, GA 30305. These gifts of remembrance will be used in the Church’s ministry to the developmentally disabled community.