Life’s Reflections O
scar Exum, Jr. was born to Oscar E. Exum Sr. and Maria Thompson Exum in Memphis, TN, on January 16, 1939. He transitioned to his ancestors on July 18, 2021, at Waters of Memphis (formerly Christian Care Center). Oscar’s parents and eleven siblings preceded him in death. Mr. Oscar was a member of Warren Methodist Church until leaving for a career in the United States Navy. He attended Booker T. Washington High School, Shelby State Community College, and Memphis State University with an emphasis in Criminal Justice. He also had extensive experience and certifications in Apartment Management and Home Renovations. He and his brother Nathaniel owned O & N Management, Inc. Rental Properties for more than twenty years. Oscar met his love Estella on July 11, 1961. They married on December 9, 1961, in Reno, Nevada. They were together sixty years and married fiftynine years, seven months. Baby girl Margarette entered their lives in April 1969.
During his Navy career, Oscar achieved and received many commendations and awards, culminating in promotion to Grade E-8, Senior Chief Petty Officer Navy Counselor (Recruiter), having served in Vietnam for thirteen months boots on the ground. After retiring from the Navy, Oscar chose Apartment Management as a career and additional education in Criminal Justice. He was employed by the State of Tennessee Department of Corrections for fifteen years, retiring in 1994. Oscar was a no-nonsense gentle giant, yet a kind spirit to all the people he met. He was affiliated with the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge, the Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of North and South America and its Jurisdictions, Inc. (A.E.A.O.N.M.S., Inc.); National Association of Blacks for Reparations in America (NCOBRA); National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP); Disabled American Veterans (DAV); Fleet Reserve Association (FRA); American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), First Commander of Memphis Post 11333; National African American Student Leadership Conference (NAASLC) Rust College, and Flair Homeowners Association. Oscar participated in both Million Man Marches, the Jena, Louisiana Six March, and attended the Obama inauguration. Oscar searched his ancestry and is a proud member of The GA people of Ghana, West. Africa. His memory is lovingly cherished by his wife Estella; daughter Margarette Rene Exum; sister Marie Exum Berkley; brother Nathaniel Exum (Dorothy); grandchildren Riane Williams; Brianna Daniels; Joshua Exum; and great-grandson Bryson Curtis, and one brother-inlaw, Michael Johnson. He will also be remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, God-gifted children and grandchildren, other relatives, friends, and neighbors.
Precious Memories
Oscar, my love, what a life we had for sixty years. We fussed, we fought! But, we had more love and fun than fights. No one can deny that we had a full, fruitful, and faithful life. I will miss you forever. I love you! Only God knows how much. Rest in Peace, Paradise, and Power. Your Wife, Estella, UDDUP My dad was a phenomenal man and lived a good life. He was a son, brother, uncle, cousin, husband, father, grandfather, and a great-grandfather. I am glad, proud, and honored to have been a part of his life! Your daughter, Margarette Exum A TRIBUTE TO MY BROTHER Oscar, I am thankful to God that He placed you in my life. You were a man of superlatively high standards, complete integrity, and full of love for the family. It was not a task for you to repair many things for me, Your life was full of fun, joy, and surprises, Because of my love for you, I will never forget you So, rest in peace, for God alone knew your needs. Sister, Marie Exum Berkley My sweet pawpaw, oh how you will be missed so dearly. The true definition of a real man and husband to my granny. Not only did you serve our country, but you also served God as one of his angels here on Earth. Blessing and loving others with such a pure and stern heart. May you rest in peace! Save me a seat at the party; I’ll be sure to give you some dap when we meet again. Until next time, Your granddaughter Brianna Daniels A strong and mighty limb has fallen from our family tree. I was blessed to have had you in my life. I will cherish and remember all the love and laughter shared with our family over the years. Forever Remembered, Forever Loved. Your loving niece. Donna Berkley
My brother-in-law. Thank you, Oscar, for the love you showed to me. Your struggles are over; you now can take your rest. We had a wonderful life together again, thank you. You have traveled from labor to that great reward to be in the presence of the ancestors. The memories will forever remain with me, and again I say Thank you. ...IN THE MORNING Michael J. Brother in Law Uncle Oscar, our Precious Lord, is the “Great Physician” who heals where there is no more pain or suffering. I believe that our Precious Lord took your hand, led you through the night, onto the light to lead you home. You are in my prayers. It is well. Janice Maria Exum Uncle Oscar was a lighthearted soul. He kept us laughing via almost daily emails. He always kept us up to date with all things Afrocentric, Black History, and Black news-related information. We loved him dearly, will miss him, and definitely will cherish his memories. Love always, Mattie Exum Crayton and family, Los Angeles, California. Our uncle Oscar epitomized the many qualities that tie a family together with a common bond. Uncle Oscar was undoubtedly one to look up to and aspire to be. He was beyond his years in wisdom and definitely our friend. He was the one to always consult with when one needed his advice. Uncle Oscar was beyond loveable, one we always cherished and had numerous fun times. We will miss you dearly, Uncle O. We wish you fair winds and following seas as you have served our family and our country with honor and courage. Michael, Tiffany, Timothy, Jonathon, Melissa, Bria, Taylor, and Brielle Oscar, The Big O will be remembered as a loving, kind, and generous big Brother, Brother-in-law and Uncle. He was always available for handy work, to assist with campaigning, or to school you on history. There are no words to express how much we will miss him. We love you! Nat, Dottie & Camille
Tuesday, July 27, 2021 9:00 A.M. - 10:15 A.M.
Harrison’s Memorial Chapel, Inc. 3320 Millbranch Road Memphis, Tennessee 38116
Order of Service 9:00am-9:30am Visitation 9:30am-9:45am VFW Honors 9:45am-10:10am Reflections (2 minutes) 10:10am Scripture, prayer Rev. Travis Leggett Recessional
~Acknowledgement ~
A friendly smile, a casual touch, a kind expression...These are the things that mean so much. To know you are with us in our time of sorrow, sharing our prayers, today and tomorrow. God gives us the comfort in the form of family and good friends. May His peace be with you because His love never ends. ~The Family
~Committal Rites & Interment ~ Tuesday, July 27, 2021 • 11:00 A.M. West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
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