Lovoine Poland

Lovoine Putney "L.P." Poland, 81, of Colonial Heights, died at Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, on Saturday, February 14, 2009. He was born September 3, 1927, in Nash County, NC. After graduation from Nashville High School, he was a WWII veteran who served in the U.S. Navy from June 1945 to September 1948, working as a telegraph operator aboard the U.S.S. Rochester. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, Mr. Poland joined the Atlantic Coastline Railroad, where he was employed for fifteen years. After working several years for various insurance agencies in the Petersburg area, Mr. Poland joined the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike Authority and retired from that agency after more than twenty years of service. Mr. Poland worshipped at Immanuel Baptist Church in Colonial Heights. He was a dedicated member of the American Legion Post 284, where he served as a member of the Color Guard, and as a former Post Commander and Bingo coordinator. He was also a member of and Bingo coordinator at the Forty and Eight Voiture 1530. Known for his concern for veterans' affairs, he frequently volunteered at McGuire's Hospital in Richmond. He was active over many years with the local Boy Scouts of America. He was preceded in death by his wife Gladys E. Poland. L.P. is survived by his son Richard Poland of Chantilly, Va; his daughter Linda (Allen) Pridgen of Southern Pines, NC; his daughter Lorrie (Steve) Brantley of Newport News, Va; and his daughter Kimberly Poland (Danny) of East Bend, NC; three grandchildren Nathaniel Pridgen, Amber Nicole Brantley, and Leslee Eryn, a sister Anise (Clifton) Rose; a brother-in-law, Emmett Tatum, a stepson Dean Ivins of Colonial Heights, and several nieces and nephews. There will be a memorial service at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2009, in the chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Home and Crematory (2033 Boulevard) with the Reverend David Prather officiating. A reception will follow at the American Legion Post 284 (505 Springdale Avenue, Colonial Heights, Va, 23834) from 4-6 PM. Burial will be private The family extends a heartfelt "Thank You" to Julia Smith for her loving care and devotion to L.P. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. Poland's name to the American Legion Post 284