LAVAL OXENDINE

Funeral services for Laval Oxendine will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, New Hope Ministries, 95 Community St., Sumter, with the Rev. Larry D. Clark as eulogist and the Rev. Rhudine Toomer officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethel AME Church Cemetery, Wedgefield. The public may view on Thursday, July 18, from noon to 6 p.m. at Palmer Memorial Chapel, 304 S. Main St., Sumter.
Laval Oxendine, 81, of Wedgefield, transitioned on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at McLeod Medical Center in Florence. Born in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Mary Oxendine Harvin.
Laval excelled both academically and in all the opportunities he could find to serve others. 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. 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.
Laval was not only a diligent student, hard worker and revered leader, he was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and overall beloved member of the Oxendine family and greater community. In 1971, he married Mary Alice and to this loving union were born, two daughters: Valencia and Aldrith, and one son, John Wesley.
Laval’s 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. 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. Laval lived a full and prosperous life on the foundational principles of God, gardening and golf.
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; and a brother, Dellie Sr.
Laval leaves his wife, Mary Alice Oxendine of Wedgefield; daughters,Valencia Balkcom (Thomas) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Aldrith Cobb (William) of Charlotte, North Carolina; daughter-in-law, LaTonya Oxendine of Columbia; three grandchildren, Kiaja Rose, Isaiah Oxendine and Jeremiah Oxendine; and three siblings, Harrison Oxendine Sr. of Wedgefield, Willie Lee “Bill” Oxendine (Joan) of Bowie, Maryland, and Frances Ann Oxendine of Washington, D.C.
In lieu of flowers, The Oxendine Family kindly asks that donations be made in Laval’s name to the American Heart Association.

In lieu of flowers, The Oxendine Family kindly asks that donations be made in Laval’s name to the American Heart Association.