Oliver Edward Davis, Sr.

Oliver Edward Davis, Sr. was born July 29, 1922, in Richmond, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his wife Lucille Bray Davis, son Oliver E. Davis, Jr., parents, George and Marie Stewart Davis, a sister Thelma and brothers, William and Calvin Davis. At an early age, Oliver, moved to Highland Park, New Jersey, to live with his aunt Mamie and to learn the life lessons taught through self-preservation and daily life in a close ethnically diverse rural community where the citizens worked together to survive. Exposed to the importance of a solid round education, Oliver excelled in all academic classes, Latin, pole vaulting and boxing. Unfortunately, in a high school community with five African American students Oliver did not attend his prom. However, he graduated from Highland Park High School in 1939. Aunt Mamie signed Oliver into the Conservation Corp Camp (CCC’s) which began his service with the United States Government. He learned to fight forest fires, cook, and asked to teach literacy skills to other participants who along with him became the first citizens to get social security cards. A short time later, Oliver enlisted into the Army Reserves and returned home to attend his beloved Virginia Union University. The majority of his time at Virginia Union University was divided between studying and attending chapel. However, with close buddy, Gilbert Campbell and others, college life was fun especially while earning money during the holidays and other events as additional wait staff at The John Marshall Hotel. Oliver was called to active duty while attending Virginia Union University. He served in the Pacific, Korea, and other countries. Most of his tour in the Philippine Islands included helping hospitalized citizens and enemy combatants; controlling further Malaria contamination in the region and attending the university in Manila learning to fluently speak Tagalog. Oliver enjoyed his final Tagalog conversation with a MCV nurse two days before his passing. Oliver met and married his forever love, Lucille Bray. The two of them would embark on a journey that included children Oliver Jr., Ronald, Allison and Darryl, military travel, and community service. Prior to retiring from the United States Army, Oliver earned the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 2nd while working as a missile officer on Nike sites and in the ROTC Department at Virginia State University. Oliver was fondly nicknamed “Shorty the mailman”, by his south side patrons. He is legendarily remembered for timely mail deliveries, a smile, a joke, and the many dogs that daily greeted him and walked the mail route with him. After retirement from post office, Oliver periodically worked as substitute teacher. However, he worked with his wife Lucille with numerous endeavors at Garland Avenue Baptist Church to include fundraising, feeding and housing the homeless, caring for the elderly, and Sunday chauffeuring tasks. One of the greatest community activities was encouraging his neighbors to vote during the 2012 presidential campaign. He did not allow his limited mobility or the thunderstorm deter him from seeing Presidential Barack Obama during his visit in Glen Allen, VA. However, the apex of this event was when with assistance Oliver took steps forward and President Barack Obama shook his hand and thanked him for his military service to the United States. The family was everything to Oliver. He enjoyed supporting his children, grandchildren, and other relatives in their activities. His presence was noticed at church, car shows, food festivals, parades, musical concerts, NASCAR, equestrian activities, wrestling, graduations and yes, daily phone reminders to students to study hard and “behave” in school. He loved his extended family especially his brother-in law. Earl Bray, Sr., half of their club “Dirt and Old Dirt” as they fondly referred to themselves. Oliver was an avid sportsman. To be recognized as a Dallas Cowboy gave him great joy when it distressed a Washington Redskin fan. He enjoyed fishing trips until his health failed. Anytime of the day you would see him with his pole and bait going fishing with his grandchildren, sons, the Buckley family or dear friends and Dee. If you walked past the house while he was on the ramp, Oliver would greet you. He loved talking with the Hendricks family, the Thomas family and any other Eastview resident or visitor. He would tip his cap to the ladies while enjoying God’s gifts…the sun, the birds, the flowers and harvesting the tomatoes from his garden. Laura Getchell, RN. was Oliver’s visiting home health nurse whom he loved dearly. He loved his at-home caregivers too. Geraldine Bullock was Oliver’s long time devoted caregiver. He looked forward to her daily morning arrivals with tales of events from the previous evening and the morning traffic snarls report. He was adopted by her family as well. She demonstrated true compassion and love as she delivered his care. Anita Murphy was his afternoon caregiver. She regularly entertained Oliver because she is a Washington Redskin fan. She continued Oliver’s great home care and he also became a member of her family. As long as needles were not involved, Oliver was pleased visits from his Veteran’s Administration Home Based Primary Care Blue Team comprised of Arlene Johnson, RN., Robbie Casper, NP, Robyn Kemish, MSW, and Tomeeker Gary, OT. Dad’s final years were enhanced through various acts of love provided by the Pastoral committee and the Garland Avenue Baptist family. A special thank you is extended to all of you. Oliver leaves to cherish his memories a devoted and loving family, daughter Allison O. Davis, sons Ronald C. (Lindora) and Darryl J. Davis. Grandchildren, Angela, Latonya, Rhonda, Maj. Oliver E. Davis, III, US Army, Crystal, Alana, Jay and Shannan, Rickey Hughes and Tracy Hughes, 14 great-grandchildren, cousins Alice Marshall, Leroy Marshall, Barbara Haskins William Green brother in-law Earl Bray, Sr., devoted friends, Mrs. Naomi West, Mrs. Clementine Coates, Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Buckley, Mrs. Delores Gordon, Mrs. Louise Hendricks, The Thomas families, and members of the Eastview Community.

Tributes

Oliver Edward Davis, Sr.

July 29, 1922 - November 15, 2014