Earl Reginald Oliver Sr.

Earl Reginald Oliver Sr. transitioned from labor to reward on November 1, 2024, to be with the Lord. Earl Sr. was born on August 23, 1948, in Baltimore, Maryland. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Hundley Oliver; his mother, Lucy Francis Oliver; his brother, Bruce Oliver; and his sister, Joan Burrows. Earl Sr. completed his education at Sparrows Point High School. He enlisted in the United States Army on April 8, 1968, and served his country proudly. Upon leaving the military, he received the National Defense Service Medal and an Honorable Discharge on March 29, 1970. On July 10, 1971, Earl married the love of his life, Vera. Together, they raised two children, Earl Oliver Jr. and Tyra Oliver. In 1985, Earl relocated his family from Glen Burnie, Maryland, to Richmond, Virginia, due to a job transfer with AT&T, which later became Lucent Technologies, where he eventually retired. Earl was a dedicated worker who took pride in his punctuality and received awards for perfect attendance over many years. Earl Sr. took pride in maintaining his home in his way. In other words, he was the accountant, maintenance man, plumber, electrician, lawn care provider, gardener, farmer, and chef. He rarely dined out, as he truly enjoyed his home-cooked meals and found tranquility in washing dishes while listening to talk radio. A sports enthusiast, Earl loved watching games and would prepare a gameday feast, with Vera making the side dishes, as they sat together and cheered for the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens. Earl Sr. was known for his unwavering commitment to his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed picking them up from school, attending their extra-curricular activities, such as Jalen’s football games, Brandon’s JROTC events, and Kennedy’s soccer games, or taking her to the movies. For many years, he traveled back to Maryland making his first stop to visit his mother-in-law Elsie Tyler, or his Aunt Dorothy and Cousin Tyrone. He looked forward to the Oliver Family Reunion every September at Centennial Park in Columbia, Maryland, to catch up with his siblings and cousins, eager to visit with his Uncle Freddie and Cousin Paul. He made it clear to his children, that if you are riding with him to the reunion, you better be at his home on time, or you will be left behind! Earl truly enjoyed getting together for special events or crab cakes and steamed crabs, with his childhood friends in Maryland with whom he maintained a close connection, especially his long-time great friends, Dot & David Dowdy. And though they were far apart, his siblings were close to his heart. He sent them birthday and holiday cards faithfully. And with a recent visit, that was a birthday surprise, they put so much joy in his eyes. Earl Sr. leaves to cherish loving memories and a beautiful legacy to his wife, Vera Oliver; son, Earl Oliver, Jr.; daughter, Tyra Oliver; grandsons, Jalen Oliver and Brandon Oliver; one granddaughter, Kennedy; one great-granddaughter, Gianni; brother Charlie “Bunk”; sisters, Gail, Debbie, and Effie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Earl or as some called him, “Bird”, will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched.

Tributes

Earl Reginald Oliver Sr.

August 23, 1948 - November 1, 2024