The Life of Beverly Van Nininger
everly Van “Bud” Nininger—beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—passed away on March 19th, 2024 in Graham, North Carolina after nearly 89 years of life.
Born March 24th, 1935, in Roanoke, Virginia to Beverly Staples Nininger and Evelyn WIlliams Hood Nininger, Bud received his education in the Roanoke public schools, Bluefield College and Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech). He proudly served his country as a Soldier in the Virginia National Guard.
In the fall of 1958, Bud met Donola Frances “Dee” French on a blind date. They quickly fell in love and eloped on Valentine’s day, February 14th, 1959.
Bud worked tirelessly his entire career as an employee of Valley Steel Corporation, and later RESCO Steel Products Corporation in Salem, VA. He loved music and singing, and was always ready with a happy tune to hum throughout the day. He loved fishing, woodworking and gardening, and shared his love of the outdoors with his children. Bud loved animals and was rarely without a four-legged sidekick. He spoke of his childhood dog, Jeep, with fondness. Later in life, he and his beloved golden retriever, Jake, were inseparable.
As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bud volunteered in various capacities throughout his life. Between 2008 and 2010, he and Dee served as missionaries in Oklahoma and Salt Lake City, Utah, working with the Family History Department. During his retirement he enjoyed working at Explore Park in Roanoke.
Bud is survived by Dee, his loving wife of 65 years, and their five children: Stape (Rebecca), Vinton, VA; David (Katherine), Liberty, NC; Michael (Brenda), Lexington, SC; Peyton Jensen (Chris), Provo, UT; and Laura Devlin (Curtis), Fairfield, CA; and 19 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Diane and his dogs Jeep and Jake.
A viewing and memorial service will be held at Oakey’s Funeral Home, 318 Church Ave SW, Roanoke, VA from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday, March 29, 2024. The memorial service will begin at 6:00 pm. A Private Interment will be at Evergreen Burial Park in Roanoke, VA.
Arrangements are by Oakey's Roanoke Chapel (540.982.2100). Online comdolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakeys.com.