Oliver J Vital Jr

Today we gather to celebrate the magnificent life of Oliver Jude Vital, Junior, who was simply known as OJ. He was called home to God on September 1, 2018 at 48 years of age. OJ was the 2nd child born to the late Oliver J. Vital, Sr and Nida Edna Harris Vital on August 16, 1970 in the 9th Ward of New Orleans East, in a neighborhood affectionally known as “the Gap.” Baby Brother to sister Pia Marie born in 1968 (who died at childbirth), and eldest to youngest brother Carlos James Vital. OJ was truly the outspoken and direct voice of the Vital Siblings. He was baptized and attended St. Paul the Apostle Church and school. OJ rode his bike throughout the neighborhood and played football and basketball with neighborhood friends in “The Gap”. He possessed a competitive spirit that carried him through his football playing days at St. Augustine High School. He is a 1988 graduate of St. Augustine High School, and was a very proud Purple Knight Alumnus looking forward to his 30th year reunion. OJ was a friend to many. He listened. He laughed. He told you things that you needed to hear and at times, the things that you didn’t want to hear. But he said all with candor and at most times, with that great smile. He started his college career at Xavier University and completed his studies in 1995 at Southern University in New Orleans with a Bachelors of Arts in Finance. Shortly thereafter, OJ began his work career at United Parcel Service (UPS) in 1995. OJ was ecstatic when God blessed him and his ex-wife Twann Butler, with their son, Oliver J Vital, III, also known as Trey. He was so proud of his son and the young man that he grew into. In 2003, OJ crossed the burning sands and was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, Rho Phi Chapter. He was an active member of the fraternity participating in community service projects, special events, and was thoroughly immersed in the true Omega Spirit and principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. After losing his home in New Orleans to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he moved to Houston. He transferred to UPS in Houston, where he worked for over 23 years and made a new extended family. Ironically, he lost part of his home again to Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Nevertheless, he appreciated the gift of life and started the process of rebuilding, persevering and seeing it through. OJ enjoyed life hanging with his brother Carlos, caring for his mother Nida, and being the best brother-in-law to his sister Karla, and favorite uncle to his nieces Layla, Lauryn, and Lianna. Although born and raised in New Orleans and a Saints fan, OJ absolutely loved the Dallas Cowboys. He also loved to play basketball with his friends at Clear Lake Recreational Center, and loved to hang and watch sports with his friends at The Hop and Union Tavern in Houston. OJ loved and honored God. OJ lived life to the fullest and loved hard. OJ was an all-around good-dude. OJ is lovingly remembered by his son, Oliver J. Vital, III, or Trey; his mother, Nida Edna Harris Vital; brother and partner, Dr. Carlos J. Vital; sister-in-law, Dr. Karla Vital; beautiful nieces Layla, Lauryn, and Lianna, and a multitude of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends that loved him dearly. He will be greatly missed. Relatives and friends of the family, pastors, officers and members of Tulane Memorial Baptist Church are invited to attend a Funeral Service at Tulane Memorial Baptist Church, 3601 Paris Avenue on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 11:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Holy Family Cemetery in New Iberia, LA. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.