Bobby Ray Oliver

Bobby Ray Oliver April 17, 1943 – January 24, 2026 Bobby Ray Oliver passed over into eternity to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on January 24, 2026, while being held by his son and granddaughter. Bobby was born on April 17, 1943 in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. He attended Theodore High School. Once he turned 18, Bobby entered the United States Army, where he served for 3 years earning the rank of Corporal. He received recognition as a rifle marksman. He spent time stationed in Germany. In April 1964, Bobby began dating the love of his life, Velma Frances Kelly. They quickly fell in love and were married on September 24, 1964. They celebrated 61 years of marriage in 2025. Bobby began working in the steel business as a welder and eventually started Gulf Coast Steel Processors in Theodore, Alabama. After retiring from the steel business, he began building homes as a contractor. He oversaw the construction of many houses through to December 2024. Bobby lived a life that displayed his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He served for many years as a deacon at First Baptist Church Theodore. He volunteered serving as a bus ministry driver, teaching Sunday School, coaching women’s softball, volunteering for mission trips, and helping lead youth group activities. Outside of the church, he spent his life exhibiting the love and compassion of Christ. He was always willing to help with anyone in need and invested much of his time into the youth from the community. He had a vibrant personality that was contagious and brightened the room with his smile. Bobby was a devoted family man, exemplifying unconditional love. His greatest joys in life were his wife Velma, his 2 children, his 4 grandchildren, and his 2 step grandchildren. He had a way of making sure each of them always got the very best of him. Whether it was fishing, playing dominoes, or talking about Alabama Football, he always took great pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren. He has left us all with so many fond memories. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents Connie Oliver and Ella Mae (Green) Oliver, his sisters Eloise (Rex) Isler, Bessie (Lamar) Agee, Ida Mae (Dan) Ledbetter, and Anne (Terry) Tanner, and his brothers Connie (Dot) Oliver and Charles (Ellen) Oliver. He is survived by his wife Velma Oliver, daughter Donna Stock (John), son Dr. Brian Oliver (Destiny), 4 grandchildren Brandon Oliver, Meagan Oliver, Benjamin Oliver, and Noel Oliver, and 2 step grandchildren Weston Davis and Caroline Davis. We will host a celebration of his life at First Baptist Church Theodore on Monday, February 2nd. The family will receive visitors at 11 am with the service to follow at 12 pm with graveside service immediately afterwards.

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Bobby Ray Oliver

April 17, 1943 - January 24, 2026