Oscar Street

Oscar Street, born on August 1st, 1926, in Vernon, FL, passed away on February 3rd, 2024. He was the son of Gegirl I. "Gus" Street and Ruby Ebbie Gainey Street. Oscar was the eldest of his nine siblings. Oscar is survived by his sisters Lois Mae Brock, Marie Cliburn, Ebbie Jan Hayes, and brother Lewis Washington Street, "Buddy or Gator." Oscar was preceded in death by his oldest son, Richard Oscar Street, and his siblings, Elender Schlarb Street Monk, Brown Street, I.C. Street, Clara Mae Street Jackson, and Marvin Street.

During WWII, in 1943, Oscar enlisted and served his country in the United States Army. He trained for combat in Starke, FL, where he was assigned to carry a flamethrower; fortunately, he contracted pneumonia and was not sent to war like the rest of his brothers-in-arms, who went off to war and did not return. He spoke of this often. Despite the hardships Oscar faced, he received an honorable discharge and returned home to care for his family and terminally ill father.

Using the G.I. Bill, Oscar attended barber school in 1945 in Jacksonville, FL, launching a career spanning 71 years until his retirement. He opened his first barbershop in Vernon, FL, before relocating to Fort Walton Beach, FL, in 1952. He was known for charging only $1 for a haircut at his Main Street shop. Oscar's dedication to his craft was unparalleled. He eventually established his barbershop, Playground Barbershop, on Eglin Pkwy, where he worked until retirement.

Beyond his profession, Oscar was a devout member of his church, serving as a deacon for many years. He was deeply committed to his faith and community, often offering his services to those in need, regardless of their circumstances. He was a long-time member of the Masonic Lodge and an avid fisherman who also loved to throw a cast net.

Oscar married twice and had children from both marriages. With his first wife, Macy Reddick, he had a son, Richard Oscar Street, and a daughter, Shea Street Harden. With his second wife, Mary Ann Ward Stock, a stepdaughter, Terisa Irene Duncan Dockery, and a son, Steven Andrew Street, He was also a loving father-in-law to Lakatia Lynn Bartley Street (Katie). Oscar also had numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Oscar lived independently until the age of 94, when he was admitted to the hospital when an unknown angel on earth saw him fumbling with his keys and confused in the Winn Dixie parking lot and quickly called 911. They saved his life that day and gave us three more beautiful years with Oscar that we may not have had otherwise. In Oscar's final years, he resided in his cozy apartment at the American House Senior Living Community in Bluewater Bay. We feel blessed that he had the opportunity to live his remaining life being well cared for by a village of individuals, loved and respected, in a clean, comfortable, and peaceful setting. Oscar would say, “I sure do appreciate your help,” and he remained a grateful servant throughout.

On the first day he entered American House, he was introduced to his phenomenal caregiver, Katheran Griffin. Katheran is a godsend, and we can't thank her enough for all the sacrifices she made with her own life so Oscar could live his best life. We love and appreciate you for your dedication and passion. You became bonded with Oscar, not only as his advocate but as his best friend. Thank you. We hope and would be honored if you continued to remain a part of our extended family. Thank you to all of the caregivers who filled in and played a vital role in Oscar’s care, especially Tami and Ileana. Thank you to everyone at American House, Emerald Coast Hospice, Mary Naney and staff from Select PT, and Christine Johnson, APRN, for providing Oscar with loving care. VA for supporting a veteran and paying a good portion of his senior living apartment costs. A special thanks to every person who made him feel right at home. On many occasions, the staff went out of their way to meet his special needs and wants. The dining area staff welcomed Oscar even when they weren’t open just yet and would cook an extra special meal, especially for him, even when what he wanted was not being served that day or night. Breakfast at night is done. Chicken legs for breakfast, check. American House Security personnel made Oscar feel safer at night by checking in on him and even helping put a bed frame together. You put a smile on Oscar’s face and treated him like family. Oscar felt spoiled because housekeeping would clean his apartment weekly, and when they weren’t scheduled, they would stop by to simply say hello.

You may remember Oscar for his dedication to God, church, profession, independence, survival skills, penny-pinching, humble lifestyle, impeccable hair, and selflessness to his community. His legacy as an Army WWII veteran, barbershop owner, and father will continue to inspire those who have had the privilege of knowing him. Oscar was well known for speaking his mind and couldn't care less if you approved of him or not, and for not taking life too seriously. These valuable traits served him well for 97 years. Oscar had a unique and genuine laugh that will be deeply missed.

Funeral services to honor the life of Oscar Street will be held at McLaughlin Funeral Home in Fort Walton Beach, FL, at 17 Chestnut Avenue S.E. on Monday, February 12th, 2024; visitation is from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, followed by the service at 2:00 pm. Interment will be at Beal Memorial Cemetery with Military Honors following the service. The Reverends Wally Cox and Craig Cooper will officiate the service, offering words of comfort and remembrance. The pallbearers will be Evangelist Mark Ward, Maurice Cuchens, Michael Cooper, Lee Goral, and Lonny Bartley. After the viewing, a procession will proceed to Beal Memorial Cemetery to lay Oscar to rest. Oscar’s friends, family, and acquaintances are welcome to attend and pay their respects as we celebrate his life and legacy. After the burial procession, please join us at Oscar's favorite place to eat, the Golden Corral, in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Thank you for joining us in memory of Oscar Street.

A special thanks to all who helped us help Oscar. It takes a village to help our seniors.

May God rest his soul.

Dad

He never said, “I love you” in words I can recall. He felt it not the manly thing to do. Yet, deep within my heart I know that love was really there.  His eyes, his touch, the things he did all told me that it’s true.  And now it’s time to say, “Goodbye” to Father and to friend.  Sweet memories remain of him, ones that will not end.

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