Rev. Tom Oliver

Rev. Tom Oliver, 94, entered into his eternal heavenly rest on Saturday, October 26, 2024, after an extended illness at the Baptist Village Nursing Home in Waycross Georgia.  He faithfully served the Lord as a Methodist Pastor for 65 years.

Rev. Oliver was born on March 18, 1930, in Screven County to Maner Oliver and Belle McCullough Oliver.  He was preceded in death by two brothers, Leroy Oliver and LC Oliver; a sister, Mary Oliver Herrington; his wife, Betty Jean Hayes Oliver; and two daughters, Julie Oliver Pickle and Debbie Oliver MacDonald.

He is survived by a son, Rick Oliver (Connie); five grandchildren, Cori Oliver Crews (Adam), Jamie MacDonald Mallard (Brantley), Jill MacDonald Davis (Clint), Leah Pickle Robinson (Jake), and Ross Pickle (Hayley); nine great grandchildren, Tucker Crews, Evie Crews, Aubrey Mallard, Brylie Mallard, Tinsley Davis, Emeryn Davis, Beau Robinson, Brady Robinson, and Riley Pickle; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The call to preach is a holy and reverent gift that is given to a select few by our gracious Lord and God. Tom received his “call to preach” at the age of 29. Selling his Radio/TV business in South Carolina, Tom moved to Waynesboro to begin seminary training and College. Tom received a BSED degree in Industrial Arts from Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA  and a divinity degree from Andrew College in Cuthbert, GA. Years later, it was a proud moment for Rev. Tom Oliver when he received recognition and honor for 50 years of service to the South Georgia UMC.

Rev. Oliver served as a Minister/Pastor in the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church (UMC). He served pastoral appointments from 1960 – 2007 in Perkins (Habersham Circuit), Baxley (South Baxley Circuit), Macon (Bass UMC), Waycross (Winona Park UMC), Savannah (Cokesbury UMC), Macon (Centennary UMC), Adel (Adel/Cecil UMC), Sylvester Pinson Memorial UMC), Midway (Midway/Mt. Olivett UMC), and Waynesboro (Friendship UMC).

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 31st from 5:00-7:00 pm at the funeral home. The Funeral Services will be held on Friday, November 1st at 11:00 am at the Waynesboro First Methodist Church located at 802 N Liberty Street, Waynesboro, Georgia. Officiating will be Rev Keith Cox and Rev. Rick Chandler. Burial will follow at the Magnolia Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Adam Crews, Brantley Mallard, Clint Davis, Jake Robinson, Ross Pickle, and David Oliver,

Donations may be made to Hospice Satilla, 809 Evergreen Way, Waycross, GA 31501.

DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA   30830 (706-554-3531). You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com