The fee to bury the dead in Oaklawn was once 21/2 cents a square foot per burial plot, on top of a $5 interment charge. Today, only descendants of those already buried in Oaklawn may be laid to rest there, Patrick said, although many of the living are choosing to be buried in newer cemeteries.

The most recent burial at Oaklawn was this past summer.

Julius Jeff Gordon, a longtime Tampa resident, devoted the last years of his life to genealogy research and caretaking. He picked up litter and was a tireless supporter of Oaklawn. He made what is to date, the most comprehensive genealogical study of the descendants of Oaklawn Cemetery.

One of his last wishes was to be buried there.