William Howard Oliver

William Howard Oliver was born in Columbus, Ohio to the union of Willie C. Oliver and Maude L. Bradshaw on March 8, 1929. He was preceded in death by his parents and his four siblings, Marie Love, Irene Hutchinson, Ralph and Sterriet Oliver; and two sons, William Gregory (Skip) Oliver and Kevin Howard Oliver. He graduated from the Evening High School of the Columbus City Schools in 1948. Afterwards, William proudly served in the Army of the United States as a Corporal from 1951 until 1957, when he was awarded an Honorable Discharge. After faithful service in the Army he completed studies at the Madam H. Walker Taylor School of Dress Design and Ladies Tailoring. He was united in marriage to Goldie Celestine Hughes in 1957 and to this union was born three children, Vanessa (Daryl) Ward, and Wayne (Robin) Oliver and Kevin (deceased). He retired after nearly 40 years of dedicated service as head custodian for the Columbus City Schools. He was greatly respected for his work ethic, rarely missing a day of work and always prideful of keeping his buildings spotless. Every summer he led his staff in getting the floors buffed and shining so bright that you ‘could see your face’ in the reflections of the shine! Everything had to be ready for the children and the teachers. Throughout the years, he was praised by school administrators for his dedicated service. Although William accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age at the Trinity Baptist Church, it was some twenty years ago that he rededicated his life to Christ and joined Calvary Tremont Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Harold Hudson. It was in this fellowship that he became actively engaged in ministry dedicating hours to serving the congregation and the community. He initially supported his wife, Goldie, in operating a weekly food pantry for the needy. His job was to deliver the food to the people who were physically unable to come to the church. Soon he wss charged with putting gas in the church van each Saturday and purchasing and refilling the pop machine in time for Sunday service. It was not long before he was asked to be a Trustee, an office that he held until his death. He enjoyed gardening and fishing. He often spent hours fishing with his son, Wayne. He was ‘good with his hands,’ and he could fix anything he put his hands to! He leaves to cherish his memory, wife of 60 years, Goldie Oliver, son Wayne (Robin) Oliver, daughter Vanessa(Daryl) Ward, grandchildren Gregory (Rhonda) Oliver, Joshua (Barbara) Ward, Bethany (Scott) Mallory, Rachel Ward; great-grandchildren, Chase and Paige Oliver, Lovelle King, Isaiah and Sophia Ward, and Shiloh Mallory; Surviving brothers-in-law, Lamar Love and Richard Hutchinson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Special friends, Jack Frazier, Bob Greathouse and Henry Laws.