Otto S. Overton
Born: Mon Jun 17, 1929
Died: Tue Apr 17, 2012
Visitation
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Thu Apr 19, 2012
Funeral Service
11:00 AM Fri Apr 20, 2012
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Former Police Chief Otto Smith Overton, age 82, died Tuesday, April 17, 2012 with his family beside him.
When appointed Chief of Police of the Farmville Police Department on September 1, 1954, he was the youngest Police Chief in Virginia. He served 42 years before retiring in 1996. Law enforcement was his life. “Chief”, as he was known by all, loved his “men” (police officers). He was the quiet peacemaker who stood tall and was a friend to everyone.
After his retirement, he was elected to serve as councilman for the Farmville Town Council. He continued to serve in this capacity until his recent illness and death. While on council, he served as Vice Mayor for a term.
In July of 2007 the Farmville Town Council named the Farmville Police Department, located in the new municipal building on Main Street, in his honor. He was humbled by this declaration of appreciation and felt so proud to be a small part of the heritage of the Farmville Police Department that he helped build.
He was born June 17, 1929 in Rice, Prince Edward County, VA, the son of the late James Watson Overton, Sr. and Mary Grace Thompson Overton. He was predeceased by three brothers, Floyd M. Myers, James Watson Overton, Jr., and Eugene Edward Overton, Sr., and two sisters, Breetie Overton Jenkins and Grace Overton Tuttle.
He is survived by his wife and love of his life of 62 years, Mary Frances Overton, his daughter, Sallie Overton Amos and her husband, Richard E. Amos, Jr., and a granddaughter, Mary Grace Amos, who was the pride and joy of his life; three brothers and their wives, Campbell L. Overton and Shirley Overton of Farmville, W. Quinton Overton, Sr. and Ann Overton of Rocky Mount, VA, and Wyatt Lee Overton, Sr. and Linda Overton of Farmville; a sister in law, Carolyn Hudgins Overton of Farmville. He leaves behind 5 nieces, Sherry Sheffield, Grace Helms, Rhonda Fox, Cindy Atkins and Margaret “Cissy” Coleman; and 8 nephews, Wayne Myers, Frank L. Overton, Henry Webb, Wyatt L. Overton, Jr., W. Quinton Overton, Jr., Eugene Edward Overton, Jr., David Wayne Overton, and James A. Overton-all who he loved like his own.
Family visitation will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2012 from 6-9 PM at the Farmville Church of Christ, of which he is a charter member. A funeral service will be held at the Church on Friday, April 20, 2012 at 11 AM. Graveside services will follow at Westview Cemetery, Farmville, VA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Fuqua School for the Otto S. Overton Financial Assistance Fund for students interested in a career in criminal justice or The Prince Edward County Rescue Squad.
“The world is a darker place this morning. A gentle light has gone out. But it will brighten soon with the memories he left us.” By Gilbert Wood, Jr., Chief Dispatcher of the Farmville Police Department and dear family friend.
“The Good Lord must have needed a good officer or someone who knew how to quietly and effectively get things done.” By Donald C. Blessing, Town Attorney and dear family friend.
Shorter Funeral Home of Farmville is serving the family.
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Click the button to generate a printable document containing all condolences submitted
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Condolence Booklet
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Lois Yeatts
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Posted Thu April 19, 2012
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Mary & Sally my heart breaks for you,but I know that he and Watt are having a wonderful reunion. God Bless you! He was a wonderful friend.
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bobbi adkins
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Posted Thu April 19, 2012
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gone but not forgotten,may you rest in the arms of god
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Helen Barton
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Posted Thu April 19, 2012
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There is not another generation like you dads'''' generation. The Overton men is a very special family, to my dad (John Barton). Words can not express how he cared for them. Never meet an Overton that would not speak or care for others like they did. They would do anything to help other people. I am sorry to see these men leave this world, because it will never have the compassion they offered to many families again and we all have our memories that each one of the Overtons'''' gave throught generation gaps. Chief and his brothers touch so many people and it his our stories to tell. Praying that you and your mom will be comfort durning these times.
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Harold Wright
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Posted Thu April 19, 2012
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I worked for Otto in 1965 as a rookie auxiliary police officer. I found him to be always respectful to all who worked for him and to the public that he faithfully served for so many years. May God give you, the family, peace and comfort at this time of your great loss.
Harold and Frances (Southall) Wright Tarboro, North Carolina
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Doris Metcalf Hambright
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Posted Thu April 19, 2012
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My entire family mourns your loss. Mr. Overton was a kind and gentle man who will be forever remembered in this county and beyond. God rest his soul, he must truly be tired for all his good works.
You have our heart felt prayers and sympathy.
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Jim O''Hara
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Posted Thu April 19, 2012
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Our thoughts are prayers go out to Chief's family. He will always have a special place in my heart.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4
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Clyde E. Davis
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Posted Thu April 19, 2012
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Connie and I send sincere sympathy to Mary and the family. When I reported to Farmville in 1966 as a young Trooper, Otto and "Baldy" took me under their wings through some tough times. Our prayers are with the family and their friends.
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Joyce, Butch, & Michael Lyons ~ Plano, Texas
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Posted Fri April 20, 2012
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Our deepest condolences to Mary Frances, Sallie Frances , Wyatt Lee, Quinton and the whole Overton family. I had the pleasure of working as secretary to "Chief" some 30 years ago. He was a fine, upstanding man. He never knew a stranger and never failed to share a kind word. As a man of a strong, Christian faith, he was an example to anyone who knew him. He did so much for his family, his community, and his state; now it is time for him to rest. He will be missed by so many, and I am so very proud to ever have had Chief cross my path. Rest in Peace sweet soul.
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sharon louise adkins
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Posted Fri April 20, 2012
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sorry for your loss i meet him when i was a little girl many years ago iam his 3 cousin david adkins my grandfarther was family to him made you and your family take care
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Donna and Scott Frake
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Posted Fri April 20, 2012
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Our deepest condolence to the entire family. He will be missed terrribly but we will see him again in Heaven.
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Jimmy Nixon
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Posted Fri April 20, 2012
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Mary and Sally:
Otto loved his family, especially the grandchild, and was always devoted to Mary. I remember his visits at The Woodlands when Mary was in rehab while visiting my mother. "Death ends a life but not the memories."
Most Sincerely, Jimmy
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