ERVIN G. “BUCK” OLIVER, age 49, of Alto, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 21, 2014, after an extended battle with cancer.
Buck was born in Hall County on January 15, 1965. He attended East Hall High School. He began his career at Coca-Cola, but soon discovered his passion for heavy equipment when he started his own grading company. Buck was happiest when working on, riding on, or driving any equipment that was used in farming, or earth moving. Tractors, trucks, dozers, backhoes, or dump trucks…..anything with an engine was Buck’s passion. Eventually he found that CSX Railroad had enough heavy equipment to keep him busy as a mechanic for the rest of his working years. He loved his railroad family and had planned to retire from CSX Railroad.
Along the way, he met and married the love of his life, Johna Manus Oliver. They settled in their home in Habersham County, where they raised two beautiful children, Jordan Marsengill, 23 and Megan Oliver, 15. They recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. As a down-to-earth kind of guy, he was loyal to both family and friends alike. He had a quiet generosity that most folks knew nothing of, but it showed his kind heart to those who were the recipients. Buck told things like they were, and this honesty endeared him to others as a genuine and real person who will be greatly missed by all.
Buck was preceded in death by his mother, Magdalene Oliver; sister, Karen Turner; nephew, Shannon Turner.
Survivors include his wife, Johna Oliver of Alto; son, Jordan Marsengill of Alto; daughter, Megan Oliver of Alto; father, B.L. Oliver of Hall County; brother and sister-in-law, Every and Betty Ann Oliver of Banks County; several nieces and nephews and too many friends to count.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, September 27, 2014 in the Sanctuary of Union Grove Congregational Holiness Church, 1498 Holiness Campground Road, Cleveland, Georgia 30528. Pastors Jacob Armour and Paul Flynn will officiate with Brian Wiley, one of many of Buck’s best friends, giving the eulogy. The family will hold a reception following the service in the Fellowship Hall to receive friends and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers, her dad’s request was for donations to be made to the account named “The College Fund for Megan Oliver”, in memory of her dad, sent to Habersham Federal Credit Union, 420 West Louise Street, P.O. Box 2645, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523 (706/754-3680).
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) and Habersham Crematory (678/617-2210) are in charge of arrangements.
