Dolphin “Henry” Overton Jr., M.D. (OBG ’60)

Rocky Mount

Dr. Dolphin “Henry” Overton, Jr. passed away on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at his home in Rocky Mount, NC. He had just celebrated his 90th birthday in April with close friends and family. Born in Cleveland County, NC on March 14, 1928, he was the son of the late Dolphin Henry Overton, Sr. and Faye Lutz Overton. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Elena Eleanor Overton; son, Michael Lee Overton; and sister, Faye Patterson Overton Webb.

Henry was the oldest of three children. He graduated from Virginia Military Institute with the class of 1949B. From there, Henry attended Duke University Medical School. In 1952, he joined the United States Airforce and was honorably discharged in 1956. Henry did his internship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC and completed his residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He obtained his Masters in OB-GYN at the University of Minnesota.

In November 1955, Henry married his wife of 50 years in Minneapolis, MN and thus began their journey. They had two children before moving to Lynchburg, VA where they added another to their brood. In 1961, their journey took them to Rocky Mount, NC where he began practicing at Rocky Mount OB-GYN with Drs. Brantley and Gold. Here they added another bundle of joy to their family.

After delivering countless babies and taking care of a myriad of patients, he retired in 1993. After retirement Henry enjoyed his beach house, woodworking, gardening, listening to music of all genres, and cooking. He had a constant thirst for knowledge and was always learning. Henry tirelessly cared for his wife during her prolonged illness and was her constant companion. He was the inspiration for many young people and a role model for his grandchildren.

Henry leaves behind to cherish his memory, his children, Dolphin Henry Overton III of Clayton, Leslie Overton Mosley of Rocky Mount, and Joseph Nicholas Overton and wife, Tracey, of Morehead City. He leaves behind his younger brother, Joseph Louis Overton of Atlanta, GA. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and one great-grandchild who he was blessed to have met before his passing.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Burial will follow the service at Forest Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, August 8, 2018 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Virginia Military Institute, 319 Letcher Avenue, Lexington, VA 24450.