Sam L. Oliver

Sam L. Oliver, Jr., 81, of Charleston, SC, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2015. His funeral service will be held Monday, April 27, 2015 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel, 2180 Greenridge Road at 2:00 pm. Interment, Carolina Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in Stuhr's Northwoods Chapel.

He was born on June 24th, 1933 to Sam L. Oliver Sr. and Jessie Victoria Mixon Oliver. Preceded in death by seven brothers and sisters: Harriet Yates, Johnny Oliver, Clarence Oliver, Ella Pratt, Flash Oliver, Ruby Meadowcroft and Shirley Woodcock.

He was a twenty-two year veteran of the United Stated Air Force having served in the Vietnam War. He was stationed at Charleston Air Force Base in 437th Field Maintenance Squadron.

Sam was a man of unique and impeccable character. He was called a best friend by many and a stranger by none. He had an insatiable appetite for life that resulted in many lifelong friends and unforgettable memories. From fishing and boating with his family, to dancing the night away, his love for fun was infectious. And it could be said that if his inevitable joking couldn't make you laugh then the twinkle in his eye and mischievous grin would do the trick.

He spent his days giving back alongside the Omar Shriners, helping the Cripple and Burned Child, and earning the Medal of Honor as a 32nd degree Master Mason of the Hammerton Lodge. His giving didn't stop there. He was known as a man who would fiercely provide for all those he loved; and loving most of all his wife, sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a man that built his life around his family, giving his heart, his time and his hard earned wisdom freely. This was exemplified daily while working alongside his sons at their family run business. A time that will surely be treasured by all those involved.He had unyielding conviction and determination that paved the path for his success and raised the bar of expectation for all those around him. He was a man who would never shy away from a hurdle, and always found a way to excel. Sixty-one years of marriage stand as the ultimate testament of his commitment and character. And those who loved him, and there are so many, know that he was, and still is, one of the great ones. The absence of his presence will surely seem dim, but as his life and tenacity has taught us, we will forge ahead knowing that there are more laughs to be had, more dreams to conquer, and more love to spread with the people around us.

He is survived by his wife, Juliene P. Oliver, four sons: Kevin Oliver, Kerry and (Dee) Oliver, Patrick Kelly Oliver, Kasey Oliver; and daughter-in-law, Janice Oliver; also grandchildren: Kevin Oliver, Jr., (Michael) and Katie Camacho, (Lee) and Kerri Hall, Kristen Oliver, Kodi Oliver and Morgan Oliver; great-grandchildren: Alexandria, Samantha, Karley, Alexis, Michael and Dominic. He is also survived by a sister, Jessie Mae Petitt of Cleveland, OH and a brother, Robert Oliver of Jacksonville, FL; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.