Russell Eugene Oiler

Russell “Rusty” Eugene Oiler, 83, of Savannah, GA, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2024, surrounded by family. Born June 17, 1941, in Louisville, KY, Rusty was the son of the late Ona Kathryn Oiler and the late Garland Perry Oiler, who taught him to live a humble, hard-working and generous life in Jesus’ name.  Rusty is survived by the love of his life, Margaret Cone Oiler of Savannah, GA. He also leaves behind his faithful younger siblings & his first friends: Nancy Kathryn McCandless (Evans) of St. Louis, MO, and James Garland Oiler (Luana) of Louisville, KY.  The father of four daughters, Rusty is survived by Jennifer Ann Gruver (Greg) of PA, Kristen Oiler Hodges (Andrew) of NC, Erin Patricia Farrell (Brendan) of VA, and Heather Elizabeth Ashley Oiler of FL, who are carrying their dad’s mischievous blue eyes. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Irvin Sylvester Shoup (Chelsea) of PA, and stepdaughter, Patrice Spivey Cowart (Richard) of GA. Left with many tall tales to share, Rusty’s fishing buddies remain, including 11 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  Rusty was given a very full life. Most importantly, he sought Jesus’ forgiveness and shared it, praying others would do the same, while humbly noting he was a work in progress. During his youth, Rusty was taught carpentry by watching his dad while he picked up nails on his dad’s construction sites. He learned to live life like his mom, who believed in “eating dessert first".  Rusty was President of the Beta Beta Chapter of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity from 1963 to 1964 at the University of Louisville, providing a lifetime of fond memories and laughter. He graduated with his degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduation, Rusty was first employed by GE, which led to his career as a plant manager for various companies along the east coast.  In retirement, Rusty served his family, friends and neighbors behind the scenes by making his famous blueberry pancakes each morning at family reunions, teaching the youngest generation how to make birdhouses and wooden toys. Rusty built beautiful shaker furniture, made thousands of wooden toys delivered by missionaries around the world and handed out his ‘Smile Makers’ wherever he traveled. Over the years he served at Compassion Christian Church making meals for retreats and bible studies, delivering equipment to the downtown campus weekly for years, and teaching youth at Silk Hope Baptist, where he was a member. His final days were filled with time with friends & family, who noted his gentleness through the sorrows and joys of life. The family welcomes you to attend Rusty’s Celebration of Life Service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at Silk Hope Baptist Church, 4929 Pineland Dr., Savannah, GA 31405, officiated by David Allgire. Family will receive friends immediately after the service. Rusty’s ashes will be buried at a private tree dedication ceremony in Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Christmas Child at drop-off sites around the country through the 25th or online at https://www.samaritanspurse.org in his memory. Rusty filled many shoeboxes with Margaret, filling them with his handmade wooden toys, scripture, tools and more all packed with love.