Mr. Oliver Ravenell

Oliver James Ravenell was the eighth child born to Rennie and Elizabeth (Addison) Ravenell in St. Stephen, South Carolina on February 3, 1949. “Winky” as he was known by family and friends departed this life after a lengthy illness on Thursday, November 5, 2020. He was named by his maternal uncle Oliver Addison, who predeceased him by hours on the same day. Oliver accepted Christ at an early age. He attended the public schools of Berkley County, graduating from Russellville High School in 1967. After high school, he moved to Connecticut for a time where he worked for McKesson, Stop & Shop, and then onto Detroit where he worked at American Axle in skilled trades as a tool and die maker until his retirement in 2007. Winky owned a corner store for several years. After his retirement, to the delight of his grandchildren, he drove an ice cream truck. They were the true loves of his life! Oliver and Rhona (Jackson) met in Detroit and married in 1976. They were married for forty- four years. Oliver loved eating and barbequing. Using his tool making skills, he made a stainless-steel barbeque grill that is still in use. The way he cooked and seasoned his ribs has been imitated by many. He was born with the gift of gab and loved a good conversation. His cellphone was never too far away. He spent many hours talking with family and friends. Oliver was never a stranger to anyone, in any setting. His boisterous personality and big smile made him many lifelong friends. He leaves to mourn his wife, Rhona, and three sons; Jarvis Moore of Connecticut; Dwayne Ravenell (Davina)of Detroit, MI and Randal (Minkita) Ravenell of Warren, MI. Nine grandchildren: Alisha, Jarvis Jr., Dakaila, Porter, Christian, Joshua, Kindal, Isaiah and Hunter; and three great children- Kevon, Ava, Aamyrah; eight sisters: Ernestine Reid, Jane Brown(Samuel) Mozelle Gethers, Bernice Martin, Lillie Brown(James), Virginia Patrick, Rochelle Gethers(Chris), and Alfreda Muldrow; an aunt, Mattie Gethers and an uncle Beaufort Addison, Sr.; his in-laws, Ray and Michael(Alicia)Jackson, Judy(James) Rancher, Sheila Ricks, and Christine(Dea. Edmund) Brown all of Detroit, MI. and Vickie (Rev. James) Ware of Kentucky; Sheryl Ravenell, of Connecticut and Beverly Ravenell of Michigan; special cousins Earl and Susie Jefferson and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Should you go first and I remain to walk the road alone I'll live in memory's garden dear with happy days we've known Should you go first and I remain for battles to be fought Each thing you've touched along the way will be a hallowed spot I'll hear your voice I'll see your smile though blindly I may grope The memory of your helping hand will buoy me on with hope We've known so much of happiness we've had our cup of joy And memory is one gift of God that death cannot destroy I want to know each step you take that I may walk the same For someday down that lonely road you'll hear me call your name Should you go first and I remain one thing I'll have you do Walk slowly down that long, long path for soon I'll follow you Written by Albert Rowswell ORDER OF SERVICE Services: Tuesday, November 10,2020 Family Hour: 2:30 pm Funeral Service: 3:00 pm O.H. Pye Funeral Home 17600 Plymouth Road, Detroit, MI. 48227 Organ Prelude Processional Scripture………………………………………………. Minister Jerry Ricks Prayer ………………………………………………….. Deacon Lumpkin Song …………………………………………………….. Sheila Ricks Acknowledgements and Condolences………. Minkita Ravenell Obituary……………………………………………….. Minkita Ravenell Remarks……………………………………………….. Friends and Family (Limit of 2 minutes please) Song…………………………………………………….. Eulogy………………………………………………….. Rev. Terry Thomas Pastor, Christian Fellowship of Love Recessional…………………………………………. Organ Postlude I am the resurrection and the life; he that believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; and whosoever lives and believes in me shall never die. St. John 11:25-26 Celebrating the Life of Oliver James Ravenell Sunrise: February 3, 1949 Sunset: November 5, 2020 Pallbearers Friends of the Family Flower Bearers Friends of the Family Internment Old Field Cemetery, St. Stephen, South Carolina Arrangements Entrusted to: O.H. Pye, III 17600 Plymouth Detroit, MI. 48227 Acknowledgement of Appreciation: The family would like to extend our wholehearted thanks for your many expressions of kindness and remembrance during our bereavement. May God Bless each of you. A more personal expression of thanks will be made at a later date.

Mr. Oliver Ravenell

January 3, 1949 - November 5, 2020