SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 12

(By Senators Stover, Chapman, Maynard, Rucker, and Roberts)

[Introduced February 16, 2023]

Requesting the Division of Highways name bridge number 55-010/00-007.43 (55A250), (37.52310, -81.36703), locally known as Car Wash Bridge, carrying WV 10 over Gooney Otter Creek in Wyoming County, the "Oakey Tolliver Memorial Bridge".

Whereas, William O. "Oakey" Tolliver, was born on March 11, 1941, in Pierpoint, in Wyoming County, West Virginia, and passed away on September 2, 2021; and

Whereas, William O. "Oakey" Tolliver, was licensed to preach on April 12, 1970, ordained in September 1971, and began to serve as pastor of Herndon Freewill Baptist Church in May 1972. Oakey Tolliver served as pastor there until his retirement in May 2019; and

Whereas, As pastor of Herndon Freewill Baptist Church, William O. "Oakey" Tolliver baptized hundreds of people throughout the years in Gooney Otter Creek. He was a member of the Beckley Conference of Freewill Baptist Church where he served on various committees; and

Whereas, William O. "Oakey" Tolliver influenced many children as a bus driver for the Raleigh County Board of Education, and was well known in both Raleigh and Wyoming counties, having conducted many funeral services during his ministry; and

Whereas, William O. "Oakey" Tolliver, at his death, was survived by his wife of 60 years, Ann Tolliver; four children, Buddy Tolliver (Debbie), Jeff Tolliver (Patty), Denise Milam (Robbie), and Stacy Toliver; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; as well as three brothers, two sisters, and other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and

Whereas, It is fitting that an enduring memorial be established to commemorate William O. "Oakey" Tolliver and his contributions to his community, family, and congregation; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to name bridge number 55-010/00-007.43 (55A250), (37.52310, -81.36703), locally known as Car Wash Bridge, carrying WV 10 over Gooney Otter Creek in Wyoming County, the "Oakey Tolliver Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Division of Highways is hereby requested to have made and be placed signs identifying the bridge as the "Oakey Tolliver Memorial Bridge"; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate forward a copy of this resolution to the Commissioner of the Division of Highways.