Richard Eugene Oliver

Richard Eugene Oliver, age 83 of LaFollette, passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at LaFollette Medical Center. 

Richard was a devoted husband who treasured his wife Shirley Oliver for 42 years and a role model to his children on relationships and the importance of love and devotion. He was a doodler anywhere there was a napkin, scrap of paper or even a gum wrapper it would inevitably end up with a sketch or drawing on it.  Some amazing cute little doodle that let you know that Richard Oliver was there. His house was filled with his paintings and drawings, an art studio of sorts. He would draw and paint for his family and friends and even family coworkers by request. For several years he painted Christmas scenes for Lowes & every winter, Richard painted Cove Lake State Park windows, full of Christmas décor, with Frosty, Santa, & Rudolph, a treat for the whole community. On most Saturday’s you could find him at many a yard sale haggling for the best deal he could. On Sunday and Monday for most of his life his other passion was bowling, he bowled for decades and was quite good. Later in life he started to attend church and when he could not attend anymore due to his health, the pastor would come and pay visits to his home. His passion, kindness, & love will be missed by his entire family.

Richard was proceeded in death by his son, Eric Wayne Gibson; sister, Sharlene (Katie) Brown, and brother, Roger Oliver.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Shirley Oliver; sons, Michael Oliver and wife Carolyn of LaFollette, Jason Oliver and his wife Abbie of LaFollette, Marvin Lee Gibson and wife Julie of Cleveland, TN, and Mark Anthony Gibson of St. Petersburg, FL; daughters, Debra Lynn Church of Dayton, OH, Peggy Ann Oliver of Sevierville, and Kelly Jean Oliver of Port Orchard, Washington; Sisters, Rovena Kelly and Ethel Moore.  Brothers. Donald  Oliver, Leroy Oliver, and Ray (Penny) Oliver; Grandchildren,

Tony Oliver, Shawn & Tori Oliver, Shonda Gilbert, Barbie Mull, Nikki Hines, Katlyn Handlin, Christian, Aiden, & Maryanne Oliver, James Gibson, Leena Faulkner, Nicholas Gibson, Brandon Gibson, Danielle Sturgill, Amber Gibson, Austin Gibson, Eriana Means, Stephan Palsha, & Several great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 1 PM to 2 PM Saturday, May 15, 2021 in the chapel of Martin Wilson Funeral Home with A Celebration of Life to follow at 2 PM with Pastor Michael Dent officiating.

The family has entrusted the care of Richard Eugene Oliver to Martin Wilson Funeral Home “Where Families Matter Most.”

Richard’s guest book may be viewed at www.martinwilsonfuneralhome.com.

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