Oscar L. Lockhart, Sr.
Oscar L. Lockhart, Sr. emerged on the scene of life on August 15, 1930, to the awaiting arms of his parents James and Essie Lockhart in rural Madison County, Alabama. He took his final bow of life at the home of his granddaughter and caregiver, Candice on February 5, 2023, after which he entered into the awaiting arms of his Creator and into the presence of his Savior, Jesus Christ.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Teresa Mae Lockhart, son, Oscar, Jr., sisters Rose Hicks, Louise Merritt, Carlean Stafford; grandchildren, LoNique Fleming and Keldon Brown.
Oscar’s life was truly one of a Leo. He was confident, comfortable being the center of attention, loyal, and fiercely protective of those near and dear to him, as well as giving and generous. He believed that he was blessed to be a blessing and passed on that sentiment to his children. He loved playing Scrabble and enjoyed winning at it even more. He won more than he lost.
Oscar met his wife Teresa in the late 1940s and when they wed they started a family that consisted of five children. It was at the early stages of their marriage that he professed a belief in Christ. He waxed strong in the Lord, eventually acknowledging a call to the gospel ministry. His initial sermon preached at Union Grove Baptist Church was titled “From Rags to Riches”. In due course he was called to the pastorate of Thankful Missionary Baptist Church where he labored for 35 years.
During Oscar and Teresa’s marriage they not only worked diligently in the church but in civic and fraternal organizations, as well as engaged in several entrepreneurial ventures. Most notably the Lockhart Community Care Home. He was a hard worker and dedicated provider for his family often working more than one job at a time. His primary place of employment was Top Flight paper company where he worked for 40 years prior to retirement and was a union steward for many years there.
Oscar remarried in 2010 to Rita Price Lykes.
He leaves to cherish a life of love and fond memories his surviving children: Peggy (Carl) Martin, Forestine (George) Haynes, Sara (Glen) Chambers and Edmund (Sue) Lockhart; sister, Elma Ruth Lockhart (New Jersey); grandchildren, LeSean (Brandon) Godfrey (Las Vegas), Candice Moss, Emily (Kiley) Maupin (Murfreesboro), Joseph Watson, Willie Moss, II (Atlanta), Edmesta Lockhart; Tracel Lockhart (Nashville); Shaina (Michael) Johnson, Olivia (Richard) McClelland (Oklahoma); a bevy of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all around the country.
Viewing and visitation is from 2-6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 13, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37404, 423 622-9995.
Celebration of life services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 14, at Thankful Missionary Baptist Church, 980 N. Orchard Knob Ave. at noon.
Interment will be in Highland Memorial Gardens.