Ralph P. OLIVER

HAYES - Ralph P. Oliver, 86, died Oct. 2, 2010, at his home with family at his side.
He was a member of Beech Grove Baptist Church. Ralph served in the United States Navy for 20 years, followed by retiring from the fire department of Cheatham Annex, after 20 years.
During his naval career, Ralph participated in landings at many islands, among the more notable of which was the landing of the 5th Marine Division at Iwo Jima on Feb. 19, 1945. During this invasion, the USS CECIL came under heavy attack by Japanese aircraft. During his 20 years of service, Ralph earned the following medals: Good Conduct Medal (6th award); American Theatre Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal (2 stars); European Occupation Medal; National Defense Medal and Philippine Occupation Medal.
Ralph was a 60 year member of the Fleet Reserve Association and a member of the Gloucester Historical Society. He loved fishing and never missed an opportunity to listen to blue grass music. He had a long and full life and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Vivian Greene Oliver; daughter, Delores Carter; sons, Glenn Oliver, Kevin Oliver, Eddie Oliver and wife, Angela; brother, Walter Oliver and wife, Helena; grandchildren, Nicholas Carter, Megan Ferrell, Olivia Oliver, Eddie Oliver Jr.
Funeral services, officiated by the Rev. Bob Robbins and the Rev. Ed Harrow, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, at Beech Grove Baptist Church. Interment, with military honors, will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.
In memory of Ralph, memorial contributions may be given to Abingdon Volunteer Fire and Rescue, P.O. Box 9, Bena, VA 23018. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.