Oliver Lee Wimbush was born February 27, 1942, in Thorpe, West Virginia to the late Clarence and Jeanette Wimbush. He was the youngest of five children.

Oliver received his education in the public schools of Gary, West Virginia. After graduating he enlisted in the United States Marines in 1960. He was assigned to the transportation unit while stationed in Okinawa, Japan. After his honorable discharge in 1964 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1965, Oliver met Mary Elizabeth Harris. Within a seven-month period, he realized Mary would be the ideal life-long partner. They were married in 1966 and from this union were blessed with a son, Michael.

Oliver worked at Cleveland Pneumatics as a machinist prior to joining the Cleveland Fire Department on June 11, 1973. He was promoted to lieutenant on February 10, 1983, and to captain on March 26, 1993. He retired on June 6, 1996, as officer in charge of Ladder 10 with the rank of captain.

Oliver loved spending time with family and friends, especially the “old-timers” of the Cleveland Vanguards and alumni members of Gary District High School. He enjoyed playing cards, watching sports, and attending school reunions.

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings: Phyllis Hester, Ramonia Longs and Mary Buchanan.

He is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Mary Wimbush of Cleveland, Ohio; son Michael Anthony Wimbush of Columbus, Ohio; sister, Glenora (John) Anderson, of Louisville, Kentucky; sister-in-law Linda Harris, of Cleveland, Ohio, Vanessa Hinton of Cleveland, Ohio and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.