Mr. Willie Oliver Jr.

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The Life and Legacy of Willie Oliver Jr.

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

"A Time to be Born" Ecclesiastes 3:2a

Willie "Bill" Oliver Jr. was born in Bryan County, Georgia on October 2, 1931, to Willie Oliver Sr. and Hattie Groover Oliver. Willie would be the eldest of his siblings. Willie was an inquisitive and thoughtful child who looked out for others from his beginning.

"A Time to Plant" Ecclesiastes 3:2c

Willie Oliver Jr. was formerly educated in the Bryan County public school system. But his major life lessons came from day to day living. A man who grew up during the Great Depression Willie saw poverty, hunger and need, but he used the pitfalls of life to make progress. He did not meet a stranger. He loved to talk and had the "gift to gab".

As a young boy Willie watched and observed his grandmother Jessie use her God-given talent as a midwife and self-taught physician to help those who otherwise could not afford medical help. He soaked up the knowledge that she had to offer. He observed the animals, plants, and the environment. He eventually used his accumulated knowledge to help the sick and shut-in, lift the downtrodden and to go where he was needed. He could make a "toddy" for many ailments. On any given day he could serve as your doctor, lawyer, engineer, builder and so much more.

Willie was affectionately called the "Mayor of Groover Hill". Why? Because he watched over his community and its constituents through his works and actions. He ran for Bryan County council two times, but did not stop his work when the ballots were in. He encouraged everyone to vote. He went to council meetings. He consistently rallied for paved roads and safer neighborhoods. He was known for his tenacity and determination.

Willie achieved much in his lifetime. He worked "on the season" in New York picking beans, apples, cherries, strawberries, boysenberries and more. He dipped turpentine and once got paid $10 for three weeks of work. He also worked in pug wood and at the Bloomingdale Nursery. Willie was blessed to acquire a job at Union Camp Corporation, Sav., GA. He worked there for 30 years until he retired.

The things Willie loved most, next to his wife and children, were flowers. He operated Oliver's Nursery from 1960-1994. During that time, he had flowers and plants from all over. He would go out and do landscaping jobs and provide information to other plant and flower growers. But in addition, he grew different types of fruits and vegetables on his land. He got joy from providing fruit every season to all who came by. From lemons Willie always turned them into the best lemonade. Willie planted gardens for three entities: his household, the animals, and the rogues. (They thought they were taking it, but he put it there for them.) Willie declared, "That no one would go hungry around him".

"A Time to Build up" Ecclesiastes 3:3d

Willie was reared as a Christian. At an early age, he came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as his personnel Savior; he was baptized and became a member of St. Paul African Methodist

Episcopal (AME) Church. Willie read the Bible fervently, lived by the Psalms (he would lead you to the 69th) and prayed "without ceasing". 1 Thessalonians 5. Willie served the Lord God with grace.

Throughout his life he was a beacon of faith, dedication, and love. He helped St. Paul AME Church to progress from a dirt floor with a pot belly stove and kerosene lamps to wiring, central heating and air and to all it is today. Willie served as layman, Sunday School Superintendent, Steward, Conference delegate, treasurer and so much more. Willie was known for his committed focus, but everyone waited for his anecdotes of humor. Nothing was quite like seeing Mother Estella give him the side eye for an "off color" joke.

" A Time to Love" Ecclesiastes 3:8a

Walking through the path Stella, a 3rd grader, encountered a tall skinny man. He asked her where she was going. She told him, "Going to Miss Jessie's house, sir." He said, "Okay" and went on his way to Miss Sarah's house. Later while hoeing peanuts the same tall skinny man asked Stella, "When are you going to marry me". She told him, "In 1952". Willie and Estella were married, November 1, 1952. They became as one. They shared triumph and tragedy, victories and defeats, pleasures and pains but remained together. They were able to laugh, cry, travel, explore and develop together. Willie and Estella shared a love for family. His family was hers and her family was his. This pledge of 73 years remains an everlasting bond.

" A Time to Die" Ecclesiastes 3:2b

Sadly, on January 17, 2026, the trumpet sounded and Willie's name was called. God sent his angels to escort His faithful servant home. With his eyes fixed on Jesus, he took his wings and went home to be with his heavenly father. Willie was preceded in death by his father Willie Oliver Sr. and Mother Hattie Groover Oliver; son: Willie Oliver III; sisters: Elizabeth Oliver Singleton, Ardie Bell Oliver, Betty Williams, Karen Johnson, and Mary Agnes Dargit; brother: Charlie James Oliver Sr.

"A Time to Mourn" Ecclesiastes 3:4c

Willie leaves to celebrate his life, carry on his heritage and cherish his memories - his loving wife of 73 years, Estella Oliver; a thankful son: Michael E. Oliver, Black Creek, GA; eight adoring daughters: Rosalyn (Mannie Jr.) Smith, Black Creek, GA; Verlena Hawkins, Hinesville, GA; Anita Oliver, Black Creek, GA; Carletha Oliver, Largo, Maryland; Cassandra Smith, Hinesville, GA; Yolanda (Jason Sr.) Redmond, Conyers, GA; Sonia S. Settles, Hinesville, GA, and Lakeysha Oliver, Laurel, Maryland. Two devoted sisters: Yvonne O. Bradshaw, Savannah, GA and Ruth Pope, Miami, FL; two admiring brothers: Homer Lee (Barbara) Holloway Sr. and Rayfield (Michelle) Daniels, both of Black Creek, GA. Two faithful brothers-in-law: Apostle Christopher C. Singleton Sr and Carnel Mills of Black Creek, GA. A loyal friend: Will Foy, McCray, GA. Willie also leaves, through his legacy 38 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 13 great great-grandchildren: a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

Visitation: Friday, January 23, 2026, from 1:00–6:00 P.M., Smalls Funeral Home Inc. Chapel 203 Samuel Smalls Sr. Ave, Guyton, GA 31312.

Celebration of Life Service Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. St. Paul A.M.E. Church 56 Groover Hill Rd, Ellabell, GA 31308
Bro. Oliver will lie in state at the church on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service.

We invite all who knew and loved him to join us in honoring a life well-lived and a man deeply loved.

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