Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ray Funeral & Cremation Service – Asheville on Nov. 3, 2023
Bernard Vernon Oliphant passed away peacefully in the presence of his beautiful soulmate, Joyce Ann Oliphant, November 2, 2023. Bernard was born December 18, 1947, in Ridge Springs, South Carolina to the late Dorothy Holston Oliphant and Leroy Oliphant. He was a 1966 graduate of Stephens-Lee High School, and excelled in every subject. Bernard was a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and later attended Boston College.
Bernard had an illustrious career with the United States Army. His assignment began with B Company, 56th S & S Battalion, 1st Support Brigade, where he served as Platoon Leader. Other assignments included Motor Officer, Accountable Officer and later Aide-De-Camp for the Deputy Commanding General of Theater Area Support Command. He was Chief of the Mobilization Division at HQ,V Corps and lead the development of the Time Phase Force Deployment List that deployed US forces to Bosnia – Herzegovina (Task Force Eagle) and the movement of the Implementation Force into Kosovo. He was a diplomatic trouble shooter and worked under General Colin Powell as his tenue flowed through several presidents. Mr. Oliphant retired from government service after 12 years at The Pentagon.
Bernard’s honor and valor did not end with his time in the military, it was heighted with his love and dedication to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He crossed over in 1982 with Theta Rho Chapter in Germany. He served as the first Basileus of the Pi Lambda Lambda Chapter in the Third District of the Washington, DC/Virginia area. He was also Basileus of Upsilon Omicron Chapter, Asheville. If you knew anything about Bernard, you would suspect his blood was purple and gold. Bernard showed brotherhood to all and had a passion for service to his fraternity that was unparalleled. He served his fraternity well for 41 years.
Bernard’s civic mindedness as an Omega led him to other endeavors in the community. One of which was being a founding member of Black Men Mondays, a non-profit comprised of individuals wanting to make a positive and lasting change. They strive to create space where the community can come together to discuss common issues and support one another. Bernard encompassed all that and more. He was also a member of the Community Reparations Commission.
Out of all of Bernard’s accomplishments, he cherished his love for Jesus Christ and Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Once Bernard and Joyce returned to Asheville from Woodbridge and re-united with Mt. Zion, they both never ceased working. Bernard served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, Director of the Security Team and member of the Church Leadership Team. His love for his Pastor and the people of Mt. Zion was endless! The thing he loved almost as much as Joyce was all of rebuilt cars.
Bernard leaves to cherish his memories, a loving wife, Joyce Ann Ray Oliphant; daughter, Ericka Einhaus; son, Bernard Oliphant, II; son-in-love, Manfred Mooney; aunts, Pearl Holston and Flossie Ryans; a host of nieces and nephews and loving sisters-in-law; special friend, Dwayne McAfee.