Rev. Hiram Edwin Oakley was born August 15, 1872, the son of Mary Bruce Oakley and Barnett Oakley near Providence, Kentucky. "Uncle Edd" as his friends lovingly call him was converted October 188, in the White Oak church near Clay, Kentucky, during a great revival when fifty were saved. He first united with the church, but about 1909 he and his wife transferred their membership to the church at Providence, Ky. He was ordained and served this church as a deacon until the time of his ordination in to the ministry by the Presbytery of Union Association at Clay, Kentucky, in 1939.

Rev. Oakley organized one church, Gum grove General Baptist church new Providence. There were 30 charter members of this church and 6 other members united during his pastorate, and he baptized 2. "Uncle Edd" has preached about 700 sermons, has witnessed more than 90 conversions, conducted 10 revivals, 22 funerals and officiated for 10 marriages. He has preached each month in Union church at Providence for about 20 years, and at the age of 80 is still trying to "Tell the Wondrous Story." He preached his first sermon in Union church in 1922.

He is the last surviving member of a family of 12 and a brother of the late E. J. Oakley, well known in Union Association. He is the oldest active male member of the Providence church where he attends regularly, and loves the service of the Lord.