Memorial services for Bill Oliver, 71 of Mabank are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013 at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Athens with Pastor Mike Dean officiating.
After a courageous battle with cancer, Bill received his perfect healing on Aug. 21, 2013 in Mabank.
William Burnett Oliver was born Sept. 21, 1941 in Oklahoma City, Okla. the son of John William Oliver and Ruth Johnson Oliver.
Bill was a faithful husband to Elizabeth for exactly 52 years and 11 months. Elizabeth honored her marriage vows to love one another til death do we part, as she held his hand as he was ushered into heaven.
Bill loved his family and looked forward to every ball game, dance recital and school function that he and Elizabeth could attend for their grandchildren, great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews that he loved so much. He was a husband, father, PaPa Billy, Uncle Bill, Mister Bill and loyal friend to many. He was blessed with family and friends.
Bill was passionate about serving the Lord by serving others. He was a deacon and a constant fixture at Fellowship Baptist Church where you might find him mowing, fixing something or lending a helping hand. He especially loved the children he worked with in AWANA’s.
Bill was an avid sportsman and competitor, a legacy he passed down to his family.
Bill loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and strived to live a life that would point others to Christ.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Elizabeth Oliver of the home; two daughters, Tammy Kesterson and husband Terry of Grapevine, Texas, Julie Sanford and husband Kelly of Wills Point, Texas; one son, Tim Oliver and wife Pydi of Lindale, Texas; one sister Sandra Winans of Tahlequah, Okla.; eight grandchildren, Aimee Kesterson, Taryn Kesterson, Hunter Sanford, Jarred Sanford, Jacob Sanford, John and wife Kathryn Oliver, Randall Oliver, Colt Oliver; great-granddaughter Lauryn Songer and numerous brothers and sisters in law, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 1-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, 2013 at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Athens,.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be John Trent, Tom Denton, Ronnie Raines, the deacons at Fellowship Baptist Church and friends like brothers, Alvin Coleman, Sid Garner, Sonny Brewer, Ken Crossland, Robert Cole, Doug Jackson and Rick Horton.
We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Methodist Hospital, Dallas who waged a fearless fight. Hospice of East Texas was invaluable, as they were able to manage the pain and allow Bill and the family time to make more life memories in the final weeks of his life on this earth.
If you would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the nonprofit, Hospice of East Texas or Fellowship Baptist Church in Athens.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home of Athens.
You may light a candle or write condolences to the Oliver family at: www.hannigansmith.com.