Murry Oliver

Murry Lee “Mutt” Oliver, 92, of Hopewell, Va. died Tuesday, September 28, 2004 after a brief illness. Mr. Oliver was born on April 24, 1912 in South Norfolk, now known as Chesapeake. His family moved to Hopewell in 1915. Mr. Oliver graduated from Hopewell High School in 1932 where he served as captain of the football and basketball teams. He attended Randolph Macon College on an academic scholarship and graduated in 1937 with a degree in chemistry. He served in the United States Army from 1942 – 46 in WW II in the Pacific Theatre. Mr. Oliver retired as Technical and Research Director from Continental Can Company in 1974 after 37 years. While employed with Continental Can Company, Mr. Oliver was awarded numerous patents by the United States Office of Patents involving sizing chemicals in the manufacture of kraft paperboard. He was a member of the Hopewell Kiwanis Club, a past President of Hopewell Rotary Club, a former trustee with Historic Hopewell Foundation and a member of Technical Association Paper & Pulp Industry. Mr. Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Mary Everett Oliver and two sisters Ruth Oliver Johnson and Hazel Oliver Cavanaugh. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eyre Frances Oliver; nieces, Rebecca S. Slagle and husband, James, Pamela Graham, Paige G. Ferguson; nephews, Robert E. Saleeby and wife Karoline, Edward Graham and wife Christine; great nieces, Mary S. Warren and husband Jerry, Rebecca S. Fredette and husband Kyle, Kathryn Slagle, Christine Saleeby, Megan Graham; great nephews, Craig Saleeby and wife Marlene, Graham Ferguson; great, great nieces, Abby Warren, Jenna Saleeby and Regan Saleeby. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Hopewell Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held Friday, October 1, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Dr. John Carpenter, pastor of First Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will be in Appomattox Cemetery. Condolences may be registered with www.jtmorriss.com .