Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mr. Oliver James Ravenell of Detroit, MI, formerly of St. Stephen, SC.

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 Berkeley County, graduating from Russellville High School in 1967. After high school, he moved to Connecticut for a time where he worked for McKesson, Stop and Shop. He relocated to Detroit, MI where he worked in skilled trades as a tool and die maker until his retirement from American Axle in 2007. Winky owned a corner store for a number of 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 and married 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 good condition and in use. The way he cooked and seasoned his ribs has been imitated by many. He was a lover of all good food. 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; three sons, Jarvis Moore of Connecticut, Dwayne Ravenell (Davina) of Detroit, MI and Randal Ravenell (Minkita) of Warren, MI; nine grandchildren: Alisha, Jarvis, Jr., Dakaila, Porter, Christian, Joshua, Kindal, Isaiah and Hunter; and three great-grandchildren, Kevon, Ava and Aamyrah; eight sisters, Earnestine Reed, Jane Brown (Samuel), Mozell Gethers, Bernice Martin, Lillie Brown (James), Virginia Patrick, Rochelle Gethers (Chris) and Alfreda Muldrow; an aunt, Mattie A. Gethers; an uncle, Beaufort Addison, Sr. (Margaret); his in-laws, Ray and Michael Jackson (Alicia), Judy Rancher (James), Sheila Ricks, and Christine Brown (Dea. Edmund) all of Detroit, MI, Vickie Ware (Rev. James) 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.

A Walk-Through viewing will be held Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gethers St. Stephen Chapel, 221 Church Road, St. Stephen, SC. A Graveside Service will be held Friday, November 13, 2020, 11:00 a.m., at Old Field Cemetery, Halter Drive, St. Stephen, SC. As per CDC guidelines for COVID-19, please wear a face mask and practice social distancing at the viewing and service. The service will be live-streamed on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/gethersfh .