Ira F. Tolliver Rev.

The Reverend Ira Fielden Tolliver, 81, of Salem, passed away on Sunday, September 19, 2010. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Sylvia Winebarger Tolliver; daughters, Gloria Eiban and husband, Bobby, and Susan Tolliver; grandchildren, Benjamin Eiban and wife, Anna, Matthew Eiban, and Emily Jackson and husband, Randy; great-granddaughter, Abigail Jackson; special family friend, Jo Schultz; sisters, Joy Spencer and husband, Vaughn, and Margaret Heath and husband, Jack; and several nieces and nephews. Ira was born on April 8, 1929 in Troutdale, Virginia. He graduated second in his high school class; however, he always smiled when he revealed there were only two students in his class. He served in the United States Navy. After marrying the love of his life, he worked as a neon sign technician in West Virginia and in Roanoke. He was called into the ministry and pastored Mountain Pass Baptist Church. For nearly 30 years, he faithfully proclaimed Gods Word both in the pulpit and by the way he lived his life and lovingly ministered to his congregation. He delighted in taking a nap every Sunday afternoon; this Sunday, he took his eternal nap. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 21, 2010 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Mountain Pass Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. The Rev. Bob Hetherington and Rev. Jack Richards will officiate. Flowers are appreciated and donations made in Rev. Tollivers name may be made to Mountain Pass Baptist Church at 2975 Catawba Valley Drive in Salem, VA 24153. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.johnmoakey.com. The Tolliver family is being served by John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, 540-389-5441.