WAYNESBORO, Ga. — The Rev. Tom Oliver, 94, entered into his eternal heavenly rest Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Baptist Village Nursing Home in Waycross after an extended illness.
Rev. Oliver faithfully served the Lord as a Methodist Pastor for 65 years. He was born March 18, 1930, in Screven County to Maner Oliver and Belle McCullough Oliver.
Rev. Oliver was preceded in death by two brothers, Leroy Oliver and L.C. Oliver; a sister, Mary Oliver Herrington; his wife, Betty Jean Hayes Oliver; and two daughters, Julie Oliver Pickle and Debbie Oliver MacDonald.
He is survived by a son, Rick Oliver (Connie); five grandchildren, Cori Oliver Crews (Adam), Jamie MacDonald Mallard (Brantley), Jill MacDonald Davis (Clint), Leah Pickle Robinson (Jake) and Ross Pickle (Hayley); nine great grandchildren, Tucker Crews, Evie Crews, Aubrey Mallard, Brylie Mallard, Tinsley Davis, Emeryn Davis, Beau Robinson, Brady Robinson and Riley Pickle; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The call to preach is a holy and reverent gift that is given to a select few by our gracious Lord and God. Rev. Oliver received his “call to preach” at the age of 29. Selling his radio/TV business in South Carolina, Rev. Oliver moved to Waynesboro to begin seminary training and college.
He received a Bachelor of Science Education degree in industrial arts from Georgia Southern College, and a Divinity degree from Andrew College in Cuthbert, Ga.
Years later, it was a proud moment for Rev. Oliver when he received recognition and honor for 50 years of service to the South Georgia United Methodist Church. He served as a Minister/Pastor in the South Georgia Conference of the UMC.
The Rev. Oliver served pastoral appointments from 1960 to 2007 in Perkins (Habersham Circuit), Baxley (South Baxley Circuit), Macon (Bass UMC), Waycross (Winona Park UMC), Savannah (Cokesbury UMC), Macon (Centennary UMC), Adel (Adel/Cecil UMC), Sylvester (Pinson Memorial UMC), Midway (Midway/ Mt. Olivett UMC) and Waynesboro (Friendship UMC).
A funeral service was held Friday, November 1 at the Waynesboro First Methodist Church with the Rev. Keith Cox and the Rev. Rick Chandler officiating. Burial followed at the Magnolia Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Adam Crews, Brantley Mallard, Clint Davis, Jake Robinson, Ross Pickle and David Oliver.
Donations may be made to Hospice Satilla, 809 Evergreen Way, Waycross, 31501.
You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes. com.
DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, was in charge of arrangements.
