William Braxton Voliva, Sr., 93, of 301 N. Elm Street, Columbia, died early Saturday, September 19, 2015, at his home.

Born in Tyrrell County, May 8, 1922, he was the son of the late Charles Anson and Eva Clarine Swain Voliva. He was married to the former Virginia Wilson for 69 years and she survives.

Mr. Braxton was a true community servant having served in the U. S. Navy during World War II and was discharged at Yeoman 2nd Class in 1946, served on the Board of Aldermen for the Town of Columbia for 39 years and many of those were as Mayor ProTem, was a member and former president of Columbia Rotary Club and was distinguished as a Paul Harris Fellow, was recently recognized by the Commandant of American Legion for having served in the National Organization for 71 years, and most recently was honored by receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from Governor McCrory, and was a long time member of Southern Albemarle Association. He was an active member of Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church throughout his life.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Malachi Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Rev. David Furlough, Rev. Royce Reynolds and Rev. Joseph Wynns will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, William B. Voliva, Jr. and wife, Cheryl of Williamsburg, Va. and Columbia and Charles F. Voliva and partner, Miguel Cornejo of New Jersey; a sister, Anne V. Williamson of Carrollton, GA; five grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren; his son-in-law, Leroy Spivey of Columbia.

He was preceded in death by two daughters, Judith Ann Voliva and Sue Voliva Spivey.
The family suggests that memorials be directed to American Legion Post 182, P.O. Box 346, Columbia NC 27925

The family will receive friends at Bryan Funeral Service, Columbia Chapel on Monday evening, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and other times at the home.