Ollie Shelton Wynn

Obituary For Ollie Shelton Wynn

Ollie Shelton Wynn, 86, passed away peacefully at his Henrico home on March 15, 2025. To his family, former school mates and long-time neighborhood friends, he was affectionately known as “Fuzz”.

Ollie graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School in 1957. He served his country in the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet aboard the USS Los Angeles, CA 135, 1962-1963; USS Columbus CG-12, 1963-1964 and USS Perkins DD-877, 1964-1965.

As a young child, Ollie made his Christian profession of faith and was baptized at Providence Park Baptist Church in Richmond. From childhood, his work ethic was exceptional. From delivering newspapers door to door in the Church Hill community to delivering groceries for a local store on his bike, Ollie believed in being productive and making the most of his time.

As a youth, he spent most summers and occasional weekends at Hope Haven, the large working farm of his uncle and aunt, Frederick Douglas Tharps (Uncle Freddie) and Maude Garnett Tharps (Aunt Maudie) located in Hanover County. On many weekends, Ollie traveled from the farm via a horse-drawn cart loaded with produce to sell in the city. Time spent with his uncle and aunt on their farm was especially memorable as his uncle and aunt also hosted the church, First African Baptist, Richmond, for large group summer outdoor activities, while also serving as a foster care receiving home for boys. Ollie learned a lot about entrepreneurship during times spent with his uncle and aunt.

Ollie was employed at Reynolds Metals and later moved on to Best Products where he worked to become Director of Jewelry Support Services and Distribution. At the urging of a Best Products mentor, he enrolled at VCU, but quickly decided the classroom was not his desired path at that stage in life. After Best Products was sold, he retired from the corporate world and found his niche working for himself in real estate and property management. Rose Avenue was the genesis.

In the 1980's, Ollie joined 31st Street Baptist Church, where he served the ministry in a number of ways including delivering food along with his sidekick, Ted Booth, to sick church members every month with the SHARE Ministry team, volunteering at the church's Nutrition Center every week, attending Sunday school class Sanctuary II and serving on the Male Usher Board. Ollie was recognized for his service in 2007 by receiving the Men's Fellowship “Man of the Year” award. In 2012, he was inducted into the Circle of Elders by 31st Street's sister congregation, Faith Community Baptist. Ollie held a deep connection to the pastors and people of Faith Community.

Ollie was an avid all-around sports enthusiast. In particular, he was a dedicated New York Yankees fan. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast, taking long trips as far away as Canada.

Though Ollie and Beverly were both members of 31st Street, their paths did not really cross until 2007. After several casual greetings initiated by Ollie at church, Beverly finally decided on one faith-filled Sunday to give Ollie her phone number. He called her. After one extraordinarily long telephone conversation, the two would go on to become almost inseparable. “Mr. Ollie,” as church members called him and “Deacon Beverly” were married after a short courtship. When Beverly decided to take early retirement from Richmond Department of Social Services, they also became an inseparable pair working together on their real estate projects. Ollie was a meticulous organizer, craftsman and teacher. Ollie and Beverly also enjoyed traveling, often deciding overnight to take a next day or weekend trip. Whenever Beverly was unsure of driving alone to a new destination around town, Ollie would drive the route, allowing Beverly to become comfortable. He was her personal “map-quest,” only better.

Ollie was predeceased by his parents, Heywood Richard Wynn, Sr. and Edith Shelton Wynn; two sisters, Edith White and Carrie Brown and brother, Heywood Richard Wynn, Jr.

Surviving are his devoted wife and friend, Beverly Compton Wynn; stepson, John Nickens II (Jay); sisters-in-law, Gloria Wynn, Patricia C. Dickerson (Larry Sr.) and Ericka C. Davis (Brian); nieces, Natalie Evans (Reginald), Susan Brown, Carla White and Yvette White; nephews, Richard H. Wynn III (Charlethia), Kevin Wynn, Steven Wynn, Ricardo Brown, Ralph Brown (Verona), Dana White (Esther) and Jody White; extended relatives and long-time school, church and community friends.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, March 24, 2025. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, March 25 at 31st Street Baptist Church, 823 N. 31st Street followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Rev. Dr. Joshua L. Mitchell, Senior Pastor, officiating. Interment Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

The family extends appreciation to the medical staff at Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center and the health professionals at Bon Secours Compassus. We acknowledge the professionalism, care and courtesies of the valet service team and the staff at Richmond VA Medical Center (McGuire).

Appreciation is extended to Rev. Dr. Joshua L. Mitchell, Dr. Lori Mitchell and our church family for prayers, cards, text messages, calls, visits, delicious meals and other expression of love and caring. We thank Ollie's business associates and friends, our neighbors and extend special appreciation to our neighbor, Mrs. Violette Emil Attiste, for providing personal care to Ollie during his transition.