Thomas Oliver Obituary
A celebration of life will be held in the coming weeks at Gorman Baptist Church, 3315 E Geer St, Durham, NC 27704.
He was born and raised in Person County, North Carolina, to the late Walter Clyde Sr. & Mary Ann Walters Oliver.
Thomas "Pete" Oliver was a dedicated husband of 62 years and a loving father. He served the City of Durham, NC, on the fire department from 1971 to 2001, retiring as Captain. He also volunteered on the Lebanon Fire Department for many years. Pete enjoyed serving the Lord and his church, Gorman Baptist Church in Durham, NC, where he was a deacon. His church family meant the world to him. He loved watching his two boys play sports. Pete and his wife were members of the Northern High School Booster Club. He loved NASCAR and cherished his two cats, Toby and Munchie.
In addition to his parents, "Pete" was preceded in death by his eldest son, Thomas Brian Oliver and siblings, Walter Clyde Oliver, Jr., Vashti Oliver Compton, JW "Jake" Oliver, Lawrence Elbert Oliver, Shelby Jean Oliver Young, Curtis Dane Oliver.
He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Gretchen Tuck Oliver; son, Stephen Oliver and wife Melissa, and many nieces and nephews. A heartfelt thanks to his nephew David Oliver, for all of the visits and time spent with Pete.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Jimmy Lively
January 27, 2026
I´m so sorry to hear of Pete´s passing ! Pete was one of the nicest guys I´ve ever met !! We both worked for the City of Durham for many years! He will be missed by everyone that knew him . My condolences to his wife and family !!
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
113-C West Firetower Road, Winterville, NC 28590
Make a Donation
in Thomas Oliver's name
People and places connected with Thomas
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Oliver's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
