Oliver W. Addison, Doctor of Humane Letters, 82, is a lifelong resident of South Carolina who has served as a leader in the community for more than 50 years.  He was born in the Old Field community, St. Stephen, South Carolina to Deacon Ransom and Annie Sumpter Addison on February 27, 1938.  Known as the baby of the family, Oliver was the youngest of ten children.  As a young boy, he took great joy wrapping his arms around his mother's neck and singing his tune, "I'm my mother's pride and joy; I'm my mother's baby boy."

Oliver was a graduate of Russellville High School, and also served his country in the United States Air Force for seven years.

Oliver's Christian journey began at a young age in St. Stephen Baptist Church, St. Stephen, SC.  After relocating to Charleston, he became a member of Calvary African Methodist Episcopal Church where he was a dedicated member.  He served on numerous boards and was instrumental in building the current edifice.

In October 1965, Oliver met the love of his life, Elizabeth Black in Charleston, South Carolina and was totally swept off his feet.  They were married in March 1966, and spent 54 extraordinary years together.  The two were inseparable and could often be found dressed in matching colors. This made it easier for Elizabeth to keep track of him when he would wander off to give someone one of the warm bear hugs that he loved to give, because as we know, he never met a stranger.

Oliver retired from Norfolk Southern Railroad, where he worked for 28 years, rising through the ranks from switchman to General Yard Master.  Under his supervision, the Charleston office was cited for safest terminal in its size and category by their corporate headquarters and received numerous accolades for on-time service.  As exemplary as his work with the railroad was, however, he has always been a strong advocate for children and his community.

Oliver served on the Charleston County School Board for eight years and was the board's chair from 1995-1996 and 2000-2002. A staunch believer in education being the path to open doors for a bright future, Oliver continued to dedicate his time and resources to improving the lives of children and the community through his leadership roles with various organizations to include: President of the Charleston AARP, Chairman of the Community on Better Racial Assurance (COBRA) Board, member of the Charleston Democratic Party, Board member of the Military Magnet Academy, and other community programs.

In 1996, he joined with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in a project called Neighborhood Solutions designed to reduce and prevent youth violence. Even as a volunteer, Oliver often worked longer hours than paid staff.  He served as the liaison between MUSC representatives and members of the Union Heights neighborhood, from business executives to school teachers, and senior citizens to the clergy.  The three-year project proved so successful, it led to the publication of a book, Multisystemic Therapy and Neighborhood Partnerships, of which Oliver is a co-author.  Further, its success gained national and international attention, leading to Oliver's involvement in co-teaching a graduate class for the University of Michigan.

Oliver, however, desired more for the community than a reduction in violence.  He sought to improve the health and well-being of the people of Union Heights through his involvement with the establishment of the Roscoe Mitchell Enterprise Health Center, named after his late friend who shared his vision.  The importance of the health center could not be overstated: three-quarters of its 8,300 patient population were African-American and two-thirds were at, or below the poverty level.  Many of its patients were at risk for developing diabetes or hypertension.

In 2006, Oliver was presented with the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters from the Medical University of South Carolina for his distinguished work in the community and his tireless dedication to improving society for all.

Oliver played a pivotal role in establishing the Djole African Dance and Drum Company on Union Heights and raising funds for their trip to Africa to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and the importance of protection.

Oliver was a member of Gothic Lodge #212,F.&A.M., where he faithfully served as a Past Master. He was a member of George Washington Carver Consistory #162, where he was a Grand Inspector General of the 33rd and last degree of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite and member of the United Supreme Council. Oliver was also a member of Arabian Temple #139, AEAONMS and a member of the York Rite of Freemasonry.

Although Oliver loved his community, nothing rivaled his love for his family.  And for him, his family extended far beyond his wife and children, but to all he came in contact with.

Oliver loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and welcomed any excuse for them all to come together—the more the merrier.  For him it was a time to pull out the griddle to make his world famous "man-cakes" (pancakes) and fire up the grill—every Christmas a hog was on the menu.

On Thursday, November 5, 2020, Oliver peacefully entered into eternal life with the Lord.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Elizabeth; children, Nyocka Addison (Dennis Nicholson), Hiawatha Addison Armstead (Royland), Jacqueline Addison Lightbourne (Derrick), and Nakia Addison (Dr. Karine Nunes); grandchildren, Demetrius, Aisha, Royland, Easton and Mia Addison; siblings, Mattie A. Gethers and Beaufort Addison (Margaret); sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren and other family members and friends.

A WALK-THROUGH viewing will be held Sunday, November 8, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Suburban Funeral Home, 2336 Meeting Street Road, North Charleston, SC.  A WALK-THROUGH viewing will be held Sunday, November 8, 2020 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Gethers Funeral Home, Inc., 200 Grace Street, Moncks Corner, SC. There will be no viewing on Monday at the service. As per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing.

His Graveside Service will be held Monday, November 9, 2020, 11:30 a.m., at Old Field Cemetery, off Halter Drive, St. Stephen, SC with Military Honors. As per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing. The service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh

In Loving Memory of Dr. Oliver W. Addison, there will be a Remembrance Drive-Thru Parade on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for friends to share their gifts of love and condolences with the family at their home. As per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, please wear a face mask and remain in your cars.

The family thanks you for your prayers and understanding during this difficult time.