Michael Ralph Oliver

Michael Ralph Oliver, 69, died Tuesday, July 25, 2017.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi, on Dec. 29, 1947, Mike, as he was known, was married for 52 years to the love of his life, Pat Oliver.

Mike loved life, and he made those around him feel good. He loved being with his family and friends, sharing special time with his grandchildren and their activities.  Papa was the favorite “go to” with any school project or activity, he always knew the answers when no one else did.  Known for witticisms his family and friends loved his great sense of humor.  He was devoted to his family and was the happiest when all the members of the family were together.  In fact, no one enjoyed the family reunions more than Mike, and his family is confident he is enjoying a great one now in Heaven.

He was particularly active in his church, Blackshear Place Baptist Church in Oakwood, where he served as a deacon and on the family and hospital ministry as well. Mike was a member of the building committee and was an active member of the Bible Fellowship class.

He spent his career as a master electrician, retiring from the Cleveland Electric Company. He was a proud member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local Union 613.

Mike loved his country.  Having grown up with a father who served in the Air Force, he traveled in his early years living on many Air Force bases around the world.  Patriotism describes him well. 

Besides his wife, Mike is survived by his children, Lori and Kevin Thompson and Amy and Shane Haff; grandchildren, Jeremy Thompson, Blakely Haff, Hunter Thompson and Bailey Haff; his brother and sister-in-law, Don and Pat Oliver of Canon, Georgia; his sister and brother-in-law, Joann and Bill McClung of Chesapeake, Virginia; his brother-in-law, John Martin of New Hope, Pennsylvania; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Linda and Dennis Phillips of Toccoa; and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors  on Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory in Gainesville. Memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Blackshear Place Baptist Church in Oakwood.

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory has charge of arrangement.

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