Oliver Love, Jr., age 59, passed away peacefully in his Smithfield, Virginia home with his loving wife and family by his side, September 14, 2024, after battling a long illness.

Born June 9, 1965, in Williamsburg, Virginia, he was the eldest of two sons to Esther and Oliver Love, Sr. (Big "O"). He was known as Torre to his family, a name lovingly given by his mother. In his earlier years, the Love family resided in Williamsburg, Virginia and later relocated to Newport News, Virginia. Oliver enjoyed basketball and football during his years at Denbigh High School, graduating in 1983. He studied Mechanical Engineering and received his degree in Building Construction at Virginia Polytechnical Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia in 1990. It was at Virginia Tech he discovered his life's passion for technology, architectural design, and building systems. Oliver's career as an Engineer began at Newport News Shipyard shortly after graduation. In 1997, he began his 28 years of service with the City of Norfolk as Director of Operations at Nauticus. In 2000, he became a Project Manager for Norfolk Public Works and quickly excelled as the city's Building Systems Engineer on most major construction projects throughout Norfolk, including schools, fire stations, libraries, museums, sporting and recreational facilities. He was honored to serve his final five years as Assistant Director of Public Works, leading over 300 employees providing services to support the city's infrastructure.

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, Esther and Oliver Love, Sr. He is survived by his devoted wife, Rhonda Love of Smithfield, Virginia and his brother, Daryl Love, Sr., of Suffolk, Virginia. He leaves behind a legacy of love through his children, son Oliver Love, III, "Jordan" of Hampton, Virginia; daughter Courtney Whitt (Jason) of Christiansburg, Virginia; daughter Kristen Rowland of Norfolk, Virginia and son James Curtis Rowland of Chesapeake, Virginia; 9 grandchildren: Harper, Hannah, Ethan, Sophia, Logan, Chloe, Mya, Nolan and Roman; nephews Zachery H.P. Love, Daryl Love, Jr., "Trent", Aubrie W.V. Hickman; and, many relatives from the Love and Taylor families. Cherished memories will forever be in the hearts of many lifelong friends, especially those from the Hokie Nation. He will be forever missed by his greatest joy, his dog Luca Blue Love.

During his leisure time, Oliver loved to cook, especially baking. He perfected his baking skills and enjoyed sharing his treats with co-workers and friends. He was generous to those he loved and cherished time spent on DIY projects in his custom-built Smithfield home. He had a fondness for cars and was always on the lookout for his next great ride. Oliver also loved to fish and had hoped to spend more time on the creek in his retirement.

There will be a public memorial service celebrating Oliver's life Friday, October 11, 2024, at the Harrison Opera House, 160 W Virginia Beach Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia. Doors open 12:00pm; service will commence at 1:00pm. The family will receive guests afterwards during a reception at Public Works Waste Management Division, located at 1176 Pineridge Road, Norfolk, Virginia.

A private inurnment service will take place at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, Virginia.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in lieu of flowers, please consider Oliver's preferred charities: Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home, Newport News, Virginia.