NORTHPORT - James Ronald Olive, age 64, of Northport, Ala., died May 24, 2018 at his residence. Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, May 27, 2018, at Sunset Funeral Home with Linda Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park with Sunset Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
He was preceded in death by his father, James G. Olive; mother, JoAnn Olive; and grandparents, Purvy and Naomi Freeman and Richard and Eula Olive.
Survivors include his sister, Rita Olive Morrell (Jerry); brother, Ken Olive (Phyllis Williamson Olive); his special aunt and caregiver, Mary Freeman Smith; nieces, Amanda Morrell Graham (Ken), Janet Morrell Wilkinson (Rick), Robin Morrell Sims (Kenny) and Caroline Olive Mockler (A.J.); nephew, Russell Olive (Amanda); great-nieces, Elizabeth Graham, Olivia Mockler, Marlys Mockler, Madelyn Sims, Audrey Sims and Katie Sims; great-nephews, Mathew Graham and David Graham.
Most knew Ronnie from his years in the food service industry as manager of several restaurants which included Wright's Bakery Restaurant and Ezell's Catfish Cabin or his early days at OTASCO in McCrory Village. He was an excellent cook and baker and was happiest whenever he was in his kitchen.
Ronnie was a giver, so he gave. True to his heritage, his heart was always in the right place when he saw someone in need. He especially loved his family who all knew him simply as ''Unk''. He loved crossword puzzles and would sneak out and get the daily Tuscaloosa News ahead of his mother so he could work the crossword before she had the chance.
He will be greatly missed but he is now reunited with his Mother and Father, whom he loved most.
Pallbearers will be Russell Olive, AJ Mockler, Rick Wilkinson, Kenny Sims, Ken Graham and Ray Harkey.
