Mr. Laval Oxendine

Mr. Laval Oxendine of Wedgefield, South Carolina transitioned to his eternal resting place on July 11th, 2024 to be with the Lord. Born on June 10, 1943 into a large loving family, Laval lived a full and prosperous life on the foundational principles of God, Gardening, and Golf. From the beginning, a curious child with a heart for learning, Laval excelled both academically and in all the opportunities he could find to serve others. As he developed into the man of God who would come to bless each of us, Laval’s passion for learning and his penchant for servant leadership made his diverse studies in the fields of Criminal Justice, Business Administration, and Agricultural Education an obvious choice for creating a life that would make the world a better, more fruitful place for others. Undeniably brilliant, Laval then set his post-graduate sights on passing his wisdom on to others — whether during his years of service in the U.S. Army as a Nuclear Missile Expert, molding young minds in the Washington, D.C. Public School System, or for nearly three decades as a County Extension Agent with Clemson University on various assignments throughout the state of South Carolina. Not only a diligent student, hard worker, and revered leader, Laval was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and overall beloved member of the Oxendine family and greater community. A firm believer that to prioritize God is to prioritize his calling to his family. He spent his personal time on earth with the people he loved, and who loved him right back. It was at China and Johnson Barber shop on Liberty Street in 1971 where he met the love of his life, Mary Alice affectionally known as Alice. They fell in love over their shared love of family and bowling, blending seamlessly as one to build a life filled with joy, fortitude, love and laughter for themselves and their beloved children. He is remembered not only by his wife and children, but by all who loved and knew him as the kind of man all should aspire to be. He truly let God lead him in all endeavors, and knew exactly what it meant to take care of his family, to lead and guide and love those he had been trusted with, and to share that love with everyone he encountered. As a firm believer in order and discipline, his participation in the National Association of Parliamentarians was a natural fit. He lived to give, and it didn’t matter if the price he paid was service to his country, backbreaking work in agricultural research or his thriving garden, the cost of a cheeseburger or even a pack of M&M’s. With his signature firm handshake, he created community and he challenged stereotypes. It is evident from the life he lived that Laval, more than anything, was a man who strived to exude God’s love here on earth. A beloved patriarch and undoubtedly a friend, father, and life long educator to all, he has a host of loved ones who succeed him in carrying on his earthly legacy. He is preceded in death by his mother Mary Oxendine Harvin; his son, John Wesley Oxendine and five sisters: Magoline Ramsey, Louise Wright, Pearl Henderson, Jean Lloyd, and Ruth Lane. Laval’s brother Dellie Sr. has also transitioned. Laval will now unite with the Lord and reunite with loved ones who are gone. Laval leaves his wife Mary Alice Oxendine, Wedgefield, SC; daughters Valencia Balkcom (Thomas) Atlanta, GA and Aldrith Cobb (William) Charlotte, NC; and daughter in law, LaTonya Oxendine Columbia, SC. Laval’s three grandchildren Kiaja Rose, Isaiah Oxendine and Jeremiah Oxendine will miss their Papa dearly. Laval has three surviving siblings: Harrison Oxendine Sr., Wedgefield, SC; Willie Lee “Bill” Oxendine (Joan) of Bowie, MD; and Frances Ann Oxendine of Washington, D.C. Laval forever lives in each of our hearts from his signature hats and belt, to his knee socks (and sometimes sandals) and infectious spirit, as well as in the lessons he taught, the memories he made, the stories he told, and in all of the ways we can strive to live more like him. In lieu of flowers, The Oxendine Family kindly asks that donations be made in Laval’s name to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692, or web address www.heart.org

Mr. Laval Oxendine

June 10, 1943 - July 11, 2024