Billy Erwin Oliver

Bill was the middle child born to Guy Oliver and Hazel Oliver in Plaska, Texas, a small town in the Texas Panhandle. Bill had fond memories of spending his time playing with his siblings, picking cotton, and visiting Aunt Agnes, who made Christmases thrilling with fun gifts like a little red wagon, cowboy boots, BB gun and toy six shooters. But life was tough for his parents; it was hard to make a living during the Great Depression. However, things looked up in the 1940's when Guy decided to move his family to the West Coast so he could work in the Oakland shipyards during World War II.

The family prospered in San Francisco. Eventually Guy was able to own a business, a gas station, and buy a home for his family. Bill worked at the station, graduated from Lincoln High School, and later went to a community college for business studies. But first, right after high school graduation, Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army as the Korean War was escalating. During his training, he decided to try out for elite paratrooper training in the 82nd Airborne. He met the physical and testing requirements, did well at Airborne School, and loved serving in that unit. He wore the 82nd Airborne cap with pride right up until his death. His service demonstrated his courage, deep sense of duty, and strong patriotism, qualities that were an essential part of who he was throughout his life. 

The Korean War ended and Bill went back to San Francisco to help with the family business. During his twenties Bill developed hobbies that he loved all his life – first there was golf, then there was flying (aka all things related to aviation). The golf hobby finally led to a trip to the Masters Tournament in 2004 and membership at Lakeview Golf Club in Meridian, Idaho. The aviation hobby led to flying lessons and much fun over the years.

During his thirties, Bill married Ellen Lenore Sparks, of Idaho, became a dad to three children: Mark Oliver, Jeannie Day and Jennifer Pugh; and joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He found out how much he loved to sing when he joined the Church. This was his third hobby and throughout his many years in the Church he sang in ward choirs, loved listening to the Tabernacle Choir and watched lots of musical programs on TV. More important, however, were the values he embraced at Church that became the guiding principles for his whole life: faith, kindness, service and love of family.

On August 7, 1982, Bill married Joyce F. Oliver in San Bruno, California. Joy was truly the light of his life, and together they shared 43 years of love, laughter, and partnership. Their life together was rich and full, a testament to their deep devotion and mutual respect. Bill’s aviation hobby kicked in as he and Joy went up in hot air balloons and flew in open biplanes, gliders, or any other aerial contraption he could find. They also loved to travel and had fun adventures here and abroad.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Guyla Jean Oliver and Richmond Wallace Oliver. He is survived by his beloved wife Joy; her daughter Lisa and her three children; his beloved daughters, Jeannie Day and Jennifer Pugh, as well as 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He loved them all, and nothing pleased him more than spending time with his family. 

Anyone who knew him recognized his humility, quiet strength, and unwavering love – a legacy that will live on in the lives he touched.

Memorial Service: 

Monday, June 9th at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5855 N. Ten Mile Rd., Meridian, ID (next to Costco; use the entrance that faces Costco).

All who knew and loved Bill are welcome to attend and celebrate a life well lived.