COLUMBIA - A graveside service for Kenneth Gene Oliver Sr., 75, will be held at 12:00 noon Tuesday, February 9, 2021 in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. There will also be a livestream of the service on Dunbar Funeral Home – Northeast’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DunbarNortheast The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 8, 2021, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel - 4219 Hard Scrabble Rd, Columbia, SC 29223.
Mr. Oliver died Wednesday, February 3, 2021. Born in Union, SC, he was the son of the late Albert Gene Oliver and Mary Elizabeth Brown Oliver. He passed away at home surrounded by his family following an extended illness. Ken graduated from Gardner Webb University and later attended USC Aiken. In 1967, he joined the Army and would spend a year in the Vietnam War. Following his return to the States, Ken moved to Columbia, SC where he married and set up roots in his community. He parlayed his knack for talking to just about anyone into a 30+ year sales career, when he retired from CarQuest Auto Parts in 2008. Affectionately known as “Poppy” to many, Ken had a love for nature, animals and children everywhere; and a deep devotion to his family. He would spend his free time playing or watching golf, as well as traveling and in the company of his extended family.
Ken was known for his big heart and is survived by his wife of more than 48 years, Deborah Oliver; and his first son, Chip Oliver whose own family includes wife Melissa, and children, Daphne and Trey Oliver; as well as his second son, Brent Oliver whose family includes wife Brandy, and children Jimmie Oliver, Trey and Rusty Morris.
Ken is also survived by his brother, Bruce Oliver and wife Kim; his sister, Lawana Hinton; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews. Ken was preceded in death by his brother, Darryl Oliver.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Agape Healthcare, SC House Calls as well as his physicians – Dr. Jerry Robinson and Dr. Lauren Holliday.
Memorials may be made to the ASPCA via https://secure.aspca.org/donate/memorial or to the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital NICU via https://events.foundation.palmettohealth.org/
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com
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