Shortly before WWII a son was born to Eva and Sylvester Shumate in Muskogee, Oklahoma, August 13,1938. His mother named him Ollie-V Shumate, but he later changed it to Oliver. He received his education in the Muskogee School System. He was a graduate of the renown Manual Training High School where he was a student of Ms. Avalon Reece, the best band teacher in the state of Oklahoma. With her guidance and his love for music he would become an outstanding musician. Oliver began attending church at an early age. The church was only two blocks from his home, so he walked every Sunday, Rev. B. W. Noble was his pastor. There he began his relationship with God. After graduation in 1957 he decided it was time to leave his mothers nest and see what the real world was like. His mother and grandmother had relatives living in California, and the relatives told him California was the place to be. So, he left for California. After moving, he joined the Marine Corps at Camp Pendleton. He served his country faithfully for three years. After several years he relocated to Hunters Point Shipyard in San Francisco where he found employment and a new church home and began singing in the choir. It was there that he would meet his future wife, Ms. Barbara Ransburg. She also sang in the choir. They fell in love and in 1962 they were married. To this union one son, Fredrick M. Shumate was born. With his military time behind him and the responsibility of a young family to care for he began public service as a Bus Driver in the San Francisco area. His first job was with the Greyhound Bus Company for two years. From there, he drove for the Municipal Railway in San Francisco. He was also the first Black Driver to operate the Turnstile Cable Car at Market and Powell Street. He retired from the Municipal Railway before leaving California. In 1993, Olivers Mother (Big Mama) began experiencing serious health problems, so he returned home to care for her. After being hospitalized and eventually having to be placed in a nursing home. She passed away March 28, 1996. Oliver moved to Oklahoma City several years after losing his mother. He joined New Point Church under the leadership of the late Bishop James Lawson. He loved his church family and spoke of the kindness of the congregation often. The Bishops wife said Oliver was a faithful member. He served in the capacity of a Deacon and Security when needed. He also played the Bass Guitar. He will truly be missed by all. He leaves to cherish his memory; two sons, Fredrick M. Shumate, of San Francisco, CA and Justin J. Gray, of Portland, OR; One Grandson, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Fredrick M. Shumate Jr., of Guam; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Shumate Family would like to thank you for your tributes, remembrances, calls, visits and other expressions of courtesy and sympathy. Your kindness is sincerely appreciated by the family along with your presence today. May God richly bless each of you. Services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 3, at Mercer-Adams Chapel. . Funeral Service Mercer-Adams Chapel Tuesday, January 03, 2023 2:00 PM 3925 N. Asbury Bethany, OK 73008