Burton Woodward Oliver

Burton W. Oliver was born on May 3, 1934, in Franklin Springs, Georgia, to W.H. and Leila A. (Woodward) Oliver. He was the youngest of ten children. His beloved wife of 67 years, Phyllis, preceded him in death four years ago.

An entrepreneur at heart, Burt began his career by opening a service station with two of his brothers. After that venture, he was recruited by Orkin Exterminating Company into their Sales Management Program, launching a long and successful career in pest control. His talent and drive led to multiple promotions, taking his family across Georgia, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Texas before finally settling in Maryland.

During his years in Texas, Burt became a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan—loyal to the team through every season. Once in Maryland, his entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to start his own business, founding Econopest Exterminating Company, which went on to serve customers across seven states. After many successful years, he sold the company and pursued several other public and private ventures.

Known for his deep Southern drawl, sharp wit, and easy charm, Burt had a way of making friends wherever he went. He cherished weekends spent with family and friends at his home on St. George Island, Maryland. Never one to stop thinking about business, he later joined his two sons to start Novex Pest Management, continuing to mentor and innovate until his final days.

He is survived by his sons, Phillip W. Oliver (Cheryl), Michael J. Oliver (Paula), and Gregory B. Oliver; his daughter, Cathy A. Anadale (Steve); three grandchildren, Jessica L. Lopez (Alex), Molly M. Jarrels (Trey), and Carl P. Anadale; and two great-grandchildren, Gloria C. Lopez and Samuel O. Lopez.

He liked his coffee black his fish fried and his beer cold.

Burt was the proud patriarch of his family, a man whose warmth, humor, and entrepreneurial spirit left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His legacy of hard work, integrity, and love of family will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Saint George Island Improvement Association. 

Donations should be mailed to P.O. Box 1, Piney Point MD. Checks should be made to SGIIA.