William H. Oliver, Sr., son of the late Bass and Lydia Oliver, was born March 6, 1936, in Gainesville, Alabama. He was the youngest of 13 children and was reared in Macon, Mississippi. He departed this life and went home to be with The Lord, on March 27, 2024. He gave his life to Christ and accepted Him as his personal Savior at an early age and loved Him dearly.

He received his early education from Macon Elementary School in Macon, Mississippi, and graduated from Macon High School also in Macon, Mississippi. While in school, William was an extraordinary athlete playing football, basketball, and baseball. His intellect and athleticism, awarded him an academic and football Scholarship to attend Alcorn State University. However, love prevailed, and he and his high school sweetheart eloped and moved to Cleveland, Ohio. That did not stop his desire to continue his education. William attended Ohio State University, Cleveland satellite campus where he was educated in the construction and small business industries.

Entrepreneurship was instilled in him early, as he watched and learned from his parents (Bass Sr. and Lydia Oliver). They were entrepreneurs who provided products such as milk, beef, turkeys, syrup, and other products, to various stores, one being Borden, in the state of Mississippi and beyond. As a young child, William had his own business selling okra, peanuts, and other produce from his garden.

In his adult life, he was employed by Turner Construction Company for many years. During this season he helped construct the many bridges and buildings that still stand in Cleveland, Ohio today, including the prominent NASA Glenn Research Center and the Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

Over the years his entrepreneurship desire continued to grow and after years of serving the Turner Construction Company and others, he launched The W.O. Construction Company where he continued his profession all over Cleveland, Ohio, and surrounding states.

On October 24, 1955, William was united in Holy Matrimony to his high school sweetheart, the love of his life Louise Dixon Oliver (deceased). At ages 19 and 20 their faith in God brought them to Cleveland, Ohio where they started their journey together. God and church were the center of their hearts and home.

They loved their family and friends. Together they opened their home and made it a place of love and comfort for many family members who came to Cleveland and were just getting started.

William was a faithful member of the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church and he ensured that his family had a relationship with God. He has served at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church in several positions for decades, including the United Methodist Men, and his last position as Head Usher.

In 1968 William, his wife Louise, and their classmate Dorothy Scott Stewart (deceased), founded the Maconites National Alumni Scholarship Organization. This organization grew into several chapters around the country and has provided scholarships for college-bound high school graduates for over five decades. William was a strong advocate for education and encouraged his children to further their education and to strive for excellence in everything that they did.

Other Notable Mentions

• Semi-Pro football player for the Cleveland Bulldogs alongside Jim Brown
• Cleveland, Ohio B-Buzz Little League baseball team Coach coaching his son’s team
• Proud supporter of the first African American Mayor of Cleveland, Ohio, Carl B. Stokes mayoral campaign
• Honored as the Seasoned Saint of the Year by Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church; and was considered for Seasoned Saint of the Year for East Ohio Black Methodist for Church Renewal (BMCR).

William’s life’s journey has impacted families, communities, and generations nationwide. The legacy will continue. William was preceded in death by his loving wife Louise Oliver; Parents Bass Sr. and Lydia Oliver; Brothers Luellen Oliver, Tom Oliver, Brown Oliver, Bass Oliver Jr., Hoover Oliver, Mastraw Oliver, Hayward Oliver, and Hightower Oliver; Sisters Orangel Jones, Tempia Alleyne, Frances Davis, Rosie Hudson; and son William (Bill) Hayes Griggs.

William leaves to cherish his memory, his children William H. Oliver Jr. (Annetta), Gail Hughley (Kenny), Debra Warner, Leroy Dixon, Gloria Knuckles (Eric Sr.), Rhonda Cummings, and Myra Oliver, Sister-in-law, Martha Cummings. 29 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. An amazing man with an even more amazing assignment, who lived a triumphant life, he will truly be missed.

Dad, we are happy that you and Mom are back together again! Rest in peace. We will see you again.