Ozzie Stivers

He was born January 13, 1946, in Henry County, Kentucky to Osborne and Mary Jo Stivers. He will be deeply missed by his devoted wife, Lynn, mother Mary Jo, sisters Karen and Sandy, children Kimberly, Ginger, and Michael, four grandchildren and his beloved four-legged children, Ziva, Ziggy, and Dawn.

A man of remarkable achievements, Ozzie’s journey was marked by a profound commitment to service, excellence, and a zest for life. He received the “Best Boy” award at Shelby High School for his exceptional scholarship, leadership, and involvement in numerous extracurricular activities. He showcased his athletic prowess on the football field and the basketball court in high school and college.

As a lifelong learner, he pursued knowledge relentlessly, earning degrees from Eastern Kentucky University, Old Dominion University, and the University of Alabama.

Fulfilling his dream of flying, he became a Naval Aviator after attending flight school in Pensacola, Florida. Known by his call sign, “The Oz Man,” he proudly served his county. Following his military service, Ozzie channeled his talents into design and engineering, contributing significantly to the monumental Alaska Pipeline project about which he loved to share his experience.

Ozzie later owned a dredging company and told all his neighbors in Salt Ponds of his experience dredging the Salt Ponds channel and sections of the Intercoastal Waterway. Ozzie started 17 Machinery, LLC with a partner in 2003 and retired in 2014 but continued to work as a contractor on projects.

Together, they developed a nuclear fail-safe shutdown pump system to prevent a repeat of the Fukushima nuclear accident. These pump systems were placed in Virginia and Connecticut for Dominion Power as well as Arizona Power.

Ozzie was known for his creative mind. He was quick to build relationships and apply his innovative thinking skills towards solutions. His coworkers have described him as a great tutor and mentor. Ozzie was well respected by his colleagues for his technical experience, problem solving skills and persistence. He was an adventurer and lived by Carpe Diem.

Ozzie was also known for his captivating storytelling and infectious charisma. He never met a stranger and had an unparalleled ability to entertain friends and family. He loved people and he loved to work. It wasn’t about the money; it was about the relationships. Ozzie leaves behind many cherished, fun-loving memories in the hearts and minds of those that had the privilege to have known him.

Ozzie and Lynn were married in 2014. The steadfast love and devotion they shared sustained Ozzie through his varied health conditions. He always joked with Lynn how lucky he was “to have his own private nurse and a beautiful wife all in one!”

Ozzie requested a naval burial at sea. A civil memorial will be held later for family and friends.

Donations in Ozzie’s memory may be made to:

Animal Aid Society, 80 Butler Farm Road, Hampton, Virginia 23666

Willow Woods Equine Sanctuary 2521 N. Armistead Ave. Hampton, Virginia 23666

CHATS Cole’s Horse Autism Therapy Station 110 Old Pond Road, Yorktown, Virginia