Saltville, Virginia

Oliver Schoolfield Tolbert, age 85, returned to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.

Oliver was a loving father, brother, and friend whose life was a true reflection of his unwavering faith. A devoted Christian, his commitment to the Lord was evident in the way he lived each day. In more than 30 years, he missed only 18 church services and never missed a revival. If the church doors were open, you could count on Oliver being there. His faith was the foundation of his life and a testimony to all who knew him. Oliver was also passionate about his beliefs and was a proud supporter of the Republican Party. Many in the community recognized him instantly by the campaign stickers that covered his car as he faithfully drove to church, football games, and the polls. Never one to sit still, Oliver enjoyed staying active by doing yardwork for many people throughout the community. He found joy in lending a helping hand, and his hard work kept him young at heart. As the years passed, he also developed a love for beekeeping, an interest that reminded him of the simple pleasures of his childhood. If there was one place you could almost always count on seeing Oliver besides church, it was the local Dollar General. Whether he needed something or not, he rarely passed by without stopping in. The staff's kindness meant so much to Oliver and his family after they looked after him and bandaged him up several times following a fall that they jokingly referred to it as the "Dollar General and Medical Center." While his family and friends will miss him dearly, they find comfort in knowing that Oliver has heard the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant," and is now forever in the presence of his Lord and Savior. His life was a blessing to many, and his memory will be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Margaret Crabtree Tolbert; sister, Peggy Beahm; and son, Eric Edwin Tolbert.

Oliver is survived by his son, Adam Tolbert (Alesha Allen) of Saltville, VA; daughter, Michelle Smith of Ohio; brother, Thomas Randolph Tolbert of Saltville, VA; sister, Mary Fontenot of Piney Flats, TN; grandchildren, Ambrosia and Rosalynn Smith; former wife, Patricia Tolbert; extended family; several nieces and nephews; special friends, Pam Smith, Martha Moore, and his loving church family at Chilhowie Pentecostal Holiness and Saltville Buckeye Hollow Free Pentecostal Holiness.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Henderson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on his 86th birthday Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Pastors Billy Owens and Wade Kestner officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Rose Cemetery, 10069 Crescent Rd, Glade Spring, VA 24340.

Serving as pallbearers will be Leon and Margaret McMahan, Rick and Easton Brown, and Johnny Helton.

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Oliver Schoolfield Tolbert.