Walter Reed Oliver, 85, of Hayes, died May 8, 2011 at home with his wife at his side.

Walter was born to the late Joseph T. and Flossie Oliver, and grew up in the Coke area of Gloucester County. He served in the Coast Guard and retired from Naval Weapons Station, Yorktown, after 37 years of service.

After his retirement he had a yearning to return to his roots, and he and Helena moved to Coke, where he enjoyed being on the water crabbing and boating. He also wanted to be near his brothers and sisters, living on the "Oliver Compound," and his good friend, the late Lawrence Oliver, with whom he shared so many good times.

He loved his Lord and church, having been a member of Gloucester Point Baptist, Providence Baptist and lastly at Beech Grove Baptist Church. Walter was a kind and gentle man who loved his family and many friends and will be greatly missed by all.

His parents; brothers, Powell Oliver and Ralph Oliver, and sisters, Evelyn Tillage and Marjorie Walker, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Helena B. Oliver; daughter, Betty Reed Oliver; granddaughters, Jennifer Smith and husband Clint, Bettie Jo Oliver, and great-grandson, Kaleb Austin Campbell.

Funeral services conducted by the Rev. Bob Robbins and the Rev. Elwood Borroughs will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Beech Grove Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family received friends Wednesday from 7-8:30 p.m. at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point.

In his memory contributions may be given to Beech Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 100, White Marsh, Va. 23183 or Multiple Sclerosis Society, 760 Lynnhaven Pkwy., Suite 201, Virginia Beach, Va. 23452.