James Rayford Oliver

Boonville Mr. James "Rayford" Oliver, 91, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Woltz Hospice Home. Mr. Oliver was born October 3, 1921 in Yadkin County to Narve and Ethel Macemore Oliver. He served in the US Army during WWII. Mr. Oliver was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and a deacon for many years. In addition to his parents, Mr. Oliver was preceded in death by a sister, Hazel Campbell and three brothers, Brady Oliver, Monroe Oliver, and Clay Oliver. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Zola Kimmer Oliver; six children, Janet (Phillip) Mendenhall, Janie (David) Steelman, Danny (Sandra) Oliver, Neal (Sherry) Oliver, Greg (Tammy) Oliver, and Sandy (Polly) Needham; thirteen grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; one great granddaughter to be born in March; two sisters, Ruth Adams and Doris Hutchens; one brother, Verlin (Bonnie) Oliver; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted Friday, December 14, 2012 at 3:00PM at Shady Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00PM at Gentry Funeral Service in Yadkinville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mtn. Valley Hospice, PO Box 1267 Yadkinville, NC 27055. The family wished to express their sincere appreciation to Mildred Sneed, Billie Poplin, Kathy Reece, Thyra Wagoner, Billy Driver, and all the special friends and neighbors for all their love, care, and support shown to them and Mr. Oliver during this difficult time. Gentry Family Funeral Service in Yadkinville is serving the Oliver family.