Rev. Raymond Eugene Oliver

NEWPORT NEWS - Rev. Raymond E. Oliver, Minister Emeritus of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Hampton passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2014. Raymond was born in Bluefield, WV on March 7, 1926 and was proud to be a fourth generation member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He was preceded in death by his parents, William F. (Frank) and Ernestine Whitlock Oliver, a brother, William F. (Shank) Oliver, Jr. and son Raymond E. Oliver, Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Frances Sutton Oliver, son Bill Oliver (Beth), daughter, Cynthia Oliver Butler and daughter-in-law Susan Lord Oliver. Also surviving are 8 grandchildren, Jason Oliver (Meggan), Karen Oliver, Scott Oliver (Laurie), Michael Oliver, Travis Butler, Kelsey Ray Butler, Brett Butler and India Butler, plus 2 great grandchildren, Rachel and Ava Oliver. In 1983 Raymond retired as minister from First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Hampton, VA after serving 26 years. Prior to that he was the founding minister at Calvary Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Covington, VA from 1950 to 1956. He also was the student minister at Fort Trial Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Bassett, VA while an undergraduate at Lynchburg College. Raymond graduated from Lynchburg College in 1948 and from Yale Divinity School in 1952. Raymond, or Buddy as his friends knew him was stricken with Polio at age 14. He survived this crippling disease and dedicated his life to Christ. Beginning in the early 50's he was a leader in the Civil Rights movement in both Covington and Newport News. He had a friendly smile that welcomed everyone he met and was genuinely interested in each person he encountered. He and his wife loved to travel visiting all 50 states and 40 countries. Besides his family and church his real love was automobiles and he collected over 800 die-cast cars and an antique Gulf gas pump which he proudly displayed in their home at The Chesapeake Retirement Community. A celebration of life service with a reception to follow will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 20 at First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1458 Todds Lane, Hampton, VA 23666. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 1458 Todds Lane, Hampton, VA 23666 or to the Raymond E. and Frances S. Oliver Scholarship Fund at Lynchburg College, Advancement Office, 1501 Lakeside Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24501.