Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023, at Scotland Baptist Church for Robert C. Oliver, 77, of Winona, who died in his sleep early on the morning of Wednesday, June 14. Burial followed in Scotland Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, June 16.
Mr. Oliver was better known to his friends and family as Bobby or Big Daddy. He was born on Christmas Eve in 1945. He was a lifelong farmer, a husband to Shirley Land Oliver, a father to Walter Oliver (Christy), Ruth Marie Oliver (Chris Key) and Will Oliver, and a devoted grandfather to Rhett Oliver, Reece Oliver and Lucy Grace Oliver.
Bobby graduated from Vaiden High School as valedictorian in 1963, and from Mississippi State University in 1968, with a degree in agricultural economics. After graduating college, he served his country in the Army National Guard. He married Shirley on April 14, 1973, and started a family soon after. They lived on the hilltop of his family farm in Carroll County. Throughout the years, Bobby served the community in many roles including, deacon of Scotland Baptist Church, President of Winona Academy Board of Directors and mentor to countless farmers in the area.
One son, Will Oliver; his mother and father, Randolph and Eura Dell Oliver, and one brother, Nicky Oliver, preceded Bobby in death.
Pallbearers were Rhett Oliver, Reece Oliver, Lucy Grace Oliver, Justin Farr, T.J. Evans, Sandy Evans, Russell Markle and Dustin Markle. Honorary pallbearers were Tommy Caldwell, Bruce Branch, Robert McEarchern, Mark Oliver, Robbie Welch and Colon Woods.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Winona Christian School, 1014 S. Applegate, Winona, MS 38967.
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.ofhwinona.com
Oliver Funeral Home of Winona was in charge of arrangements.
