Ed Lee Oliver Sr.

Ed Lee Oliver, Sr. died of acute leukemia at his home in Jackson on Tuesday, December 29, 2015. He was born November 28, 1927. A pharmacist known for his professionalism, compassion and pleasant humor, he served at Molyneux Drugs at the corner of Dauphin and Hamilton for ten years. The store was incorporated in 1929 by Demouy Marshall and Paul Molyneux, but it had been in existence for some time before their filing. Oliver became the final owner of the historic drug store and closed the store and moved to Clarke County in 1966. He practiced at Mac’s Drugs in Jackson and City Drugs in Grove Hill, completing a 55-year career. Raised on a strawberry farm in the London community near Castleberry, he was the son of Abe Douglas and Gertrude Warren Oliver. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1947 through the end of the Korean War. Thereafter, he entered pharmacy school at Auburn University (then known as API) and graduated in 1957. He maintained a steadfast faith in his Lord, his family, his country, his profession and Auburn football. He was awarded a 50-year Masonic Order pin, a 50-year Alabama Pharmaceutical Association pin and was a teacher for the Adult V Men’s Class at Jackson First Baptist Church where he also served as a deacon. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Alice Brown Oliver; three children, Ed Lee (Linda) Oliver, Jr. of Kenai, AK, Stephanie Hutchinson of Jackson, Lori Oliver of Mobile; sister, Janice Deuel of Mobile; grandchildren, Dr. Ashlee Oliver (Ben) Frey, Joanna Oliver (Craig) Walls, Samuel Oliver Hutchinson and Addyson Grace Oliver. Funeral services were conducted December 31, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Jackson with the Rev. Benny Harrison and Dr. Ben Stubblefield officiating. Vocalc music was provided by Brian Jemison, accompanied by Beth Criswell and Cindy Weaver. The eulogy was given by Dwight Goolsby. Interment, with U.S. Navy military honors, followed at Antioch Cemetery with Lathan Funeral home directing. As the bugler was playing “Taps,” a rooster began to crow in the distance. Pallbearers were Gary Oliver, Kenneth Brown, Michael Brown, Gene Brown, Craig Walls, Jim Faust, Craig Englert and Arvis Slack. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. F. Martin Lester, Charles Brown, Richard McMullen, Grady Ketchum, Jimmie Parker, Floyd Reid, Art Mosely, Harold Boldin and Arlen York. Those wishing to make donations in memory of Lee Oliver may contribute to the Antioch Cemetery Fund, FBS Annie Armstrong offering, general fund of FBC or to any charity of their choice. Condolences may be offered at www.lathanfuneralhomes.com