Llewellyn "Lew" Oliver

We are saddened to announce the death of our husband and father, Llewellyn (Lew) Goode Oliver on July 30, 2022. He passed away peacefully at the age of 86 surrounded by his wife and family.  He was born on June 9,1936 in Panola, Alabama.  He is predeceased in death by his Father, Robert Llewellyn Oliver, his mother, Catherine Prather Oliver, and one sister Cecil Oliver Horton.

Lew attended the University of Alabama where he joined Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and he met his future wife Barbara Weiss Oliver, at the University.  They were married two weeks after graduation in 1958.  They have been married for 64 years and have three children:  Leslie Oliver Halsall (Randy d. 2009), John Prather Oliver (Li Jiao), Robert Llewellyn Oliver II (Meg d. 2020) and one Grandson Randall Llewellyn Halsall.  He is also survived by one sister Rosalie Oliver Horton Roberts.

Lew graduated from University of Alabama with a BS in Industrial Marketing and went to work as life insurance professional in Memphis, Tennessee.  In 1968, he accepted a position with Bostitch which over the years relocated the family to Montgomery, Atlanta, Dallas, and Memphis.  Upon retirement in 1995 he and Barbara relocated to Gulf Breeze Florida. In Gulf Breeze Lew became an avid golfer, a member of the Pensacola Yacht Club and President of the Soundside Property and Home Owners Association.  He and Barbara were world travelers and especially enjoyed a connection with Wales.  Lew remained a dedicated University of Alabama football fan known for his excited pacing, cheering, and standing for the National Anthem when attending or even watching games on television. He was a member of Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School, enjoyed a long relationship with his Men's Group Bible Study.

Lew is remembered for always praying at every family meal.  He was a good provider for his family, a dedicated husband, Father, and Grandfather.  The family has found comfort and memories in caring for him in this last illness.

He was famous his stories past and present. One memory he told often was His Father was in the hospital discussing death with his dad, and His father said “Lew, there is nothing to be afraid of about death, it is like taking one jacket off and putting on another”.

Lew will be cremated, and a Celebration of his Life will be held at the Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church on August 5, 2022, at 1pm. There will be a visitation and reception combined after service.  His ashes will be interred at the United Methodist Cemetery in Panola, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial to Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church 75 Fairpoint Drive. Gulf Breeze, FL 32561, or The PYC Satori Foundation, a 501(C) to send underprivileged kids thru the summer sailing program at Pensacola Yacht Clubs.