Ervin Brantley Oliver
We share with our family and friends our deepest sorrows as we mourn the loss on March 24th of our beloved father, Ervin Brantley “Brant,” Oliver, a humble man with a generous heart, kind spirit, loving countenance, and a “can do” deliberate work ethic. He left the family farm in Creswell, North Carolina, to join the ranks of thousands who were assigned to the European theatre during World War II. In France, he served in the U.S. Army Air Corp and helped repel the German assault on the Allied Forces in the Battle of the Bulge.
Upon his return, he married the love-of-his-life, his soulmate, his Rock of 70 years, Rosalind Ainsley Davenport, in Washington, D.C., on March 17, 1946. They moved to Portsmouth, Virginia. Subsequently, he began a thirty-one-year career with the Norfolk Naval Air Station—Naval Air Reworks Facility (NNAS-NARF) and welcomed a daughter, Ginny Lynn (Ron Sorrell), and a son, Ervin Brantley “Buddy,” Jr. (Della Gibbs). His grandchildren, Jason S. Oliver, Ellen Oliver Dickerson (Ben), and Michael R. Sorrell, Jr. (Paris Ratliff), remember a most generous, exemplary man who “Lived Love” preaching the Gospel at all times through his actions and words. His family remembers smiles of joy upon seeing and holding his precious great-grandchildren, Ainsley Rose and Bridger Brantley Dickerson.
Beginning as an apprentice with NNAS, he retired as a foreman with a long resume of awards that recognized his adaptations and innovations that helped improve the work, performance, and morale of workers in his charge. Much of his time was devoted to repairing Navy jets and prop planes used in Vietnam and directing the training of new apprentices, which included the first women to attend apprentice school. Always a teacher, he assumed his responsibilities with integrity, distinction, humility, and honor.
Brant was active in Simonsdale Presbyterian Church for fifty years before moving to Virginia Beach, where he became a charter member of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church of Princess Anne. His life was grounded in faith and service to his Lord; so much so, he was often affectionately referred to as “Saint.”
His parents, Carnie and Bonnie Oliver, raised a family of four, Brant being the oldest. His beloved siblings who survive him are Margie Adams (Allen—deceased), Maurice Oliver (Joyce), and June Toppin (Earl). Connections to extended family and friends are many; his family expresses sincerest appreciation for visits, calls, cards, and prayers. Deepest gratitude extends further to Dr. Susan E. Ring and the Caregivers of Excellent Care II for their skilled, loving, and kind actions to provide the best care and well-being with dignity and respect for our Father.
A Celebration-of-His Life and Witness to the Resurrection service will be led by the Reverend Jeremy Jinkins on Sunday, April 10th at 3:00 PM at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church of Princess Anne, 2228 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456. A reception and time with the family will follow. Honoring his wishes, in lieu of flowers the family kindly suggests memorial donations to: The Building Funds of Grace Covenant Presbyterian of Princess Anne or Simonsdale Presbyterian Church, 5016 Vick Street, Portsmouth, VA 23701.
“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7
Thank you, Dad. We love you.
Ginny and Buddy
Please share a memory with the family via the Condolences & Tributes tab.
Thank you, Brant, for your service to our country.
Send FlowersPlant a Tree
To Chelsea’s Family and Mike,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. I cannot begin to comprehend the loss you must feel, but please know that I care.
I was very fond of Chelsea. I feel honored to have been Chelsea’s violin teacher during her middle school years. Chelsea was charming! She had a quiet presence in class. Her presence spoke volumes because of her thirst for learning and her willingness to try her best. Chelsea made teaching a joy! She definitely wrote better than most students. Her writing was impressive, but I’ll never forget the day Chelsea showed me her sketch book! That was a real “Wow”!
Chelsea’s memorial service was beautiful! Thank you for sharing so many stories of her life. Chelsea truly captured the hearts of those who knew her and the essence of a life well lived.
Pat Bray
804-928-4849
intuitpsb@aol.com
Nancy and family, words cannot express how sorry I am to hear of Chelsea’s going home to see Jesus, her personal Lord and Savior. I was glad to meet her just for those few minutes and I could tell what a pleasant and down to earth person she was. God is wrapping you all in His hands now. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. God bless.
Steve, Nancy and Family,
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with you all as you bereave the lost of your daughter, sister and friend. Words cannot express the feelings you may be facing but know that her memories will live on forever. I briefly met Chelsea when she worked for Fareva and she had a pleasant spirit about her.
Know that God does not make mistakes and Chelsea is smiling upon you all. I am praying peace and comfort for you in the days to come.
To the Meager family,
On behalf of all the LC Alumni in Richmond, we just want to tell you all how sorry we are to learn of Chelsea’s accident. Please accept our sincere sympathies. If there is anything we can do, I hope you will not hesitate to call. Bobby Kelland
Dear Nancy and family, I am so saddened by the news of your daughter, please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Yolanda Micklem
Nancy, words cannot express anything that you and your family are now enduring. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Chelsea Meager is not lost or somewhere that you don’t know where, she is resting in the eternal arms of Christ, our Savior. God is steadily laying your foundation in your life to tell of his mercy and grace. My prayers are forever with you and your family, and if I can do anything at all to help you, please let me know. My phone number is 795-5371. I love you and God bless to you all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Call me 768-0279 if you need a shoulder to cry on or just a friend to listen to you.
Friday, December 26, 2014
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. It is comforting to know that they are alive in God’s memory. God never loses sight of them. Luke 20:38
I am so sorry for your loss. Even though I have not seen him in many years, what I do remember was his constant smiling when he was talking to us. He was always such a nice man. You all were wonderful neighbors and great friends. Dad mentioned him quite a few times over the years. I know you all will miss him.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn the loss of Brantley; dear Husband,Dad, Brother, granddaddy and great granddaddy. He was a wonderful man and a friend to all who were blessed to know him.
He will be missed so much.
Love and prayers
Janice
With love and deepest sympathy, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Norma
May God be with during your time of sorrow.I know Brantley pyramid will be greatly missed.
Love,
Nita Horton
May God be with during your time of sorrow.I know Brantley pyramid will be greatly missed.
Love,
Nita Horton
May God be with during your time of sorrow.I know Brantley pyramid will be greatly missed.
Love,
Nita Horton
With Deepest Sympathy as mourn the Loss of this Kind, and Loving Man. Husband, Father, Brother, Grand Father and Great Grand Father. May he Rest in Peace as he is Welcomed into the Fold and Loving Arms of Our Loving Father Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!!!!
With Deepest Sympathy as mourn the Loss of this Kind, and Loving Man. Husband, Father, Brother, Grand Father and Great Grand Father. May he Rest in Peace as he is Welcomed into the Fold and Loving Arms of Our Loving Father Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!!!!
We are truly saddened by the loss of Mr Oliver. He was the first boss that Mickey had at NARF upon entering the apprenticeship there. Mickey had the utmost respect for him and counted it a privilege to have worked for him. He was a fine person.