John T Oliver Jr.

He was born April 19, 1929, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Sara Crumpton and John Thomason Oliver, Sr. He received both his Bachelor’s (BS) and Law (LLM) degrees from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. In 1952, he married Barbara Bankhead of Jasper, Alabama. He served as 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corp at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, from 1952-1954. John and Barbara then returned to Jasper where they made their home and reared five children. He joined the First National Bank in 1955, and was elected its president in 1959, becoming CEO in 1967, a position he held for over 40 years. In 1985, he and a group of talented bankers started First Commercial Bank in Birmingham and he served as CEO of First Commercial Bankshares, Inc. In subsequent years, additional banks were opened in Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, and Huntsville. In 1992, First Commercial Bankshares merged with Synovus Financial Corporation. He served on the board of directors of Synovus and as a member of its executive committee until his retirement in 1999. In 1998, he was inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

In 1971 he was elected to the University of Alabama’s Board of Trustees and served for 28 years until his retirement in 1999. He served as interim Chancellor of the UA system from 1996–1997. Oliver-Barnard Hall on the UA campus bears his name.

John served as trustee for Walker College, on the boards of the Alabama Department of Archives and History, and Alabama Institute for the Deaf & Blind. He served two terms as Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He was president of both the Jasper Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jasper United Fund Campaign and was a member of the vestry at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church for many years.

A champion of community service & civic responsibility, John led the effort to establish and fund the Walker Area Community Foundation which is housed in the Bankhead House & Heritage Center. This space has become a great source of community pride and enjoyment, showcasing art exhibits, musical performances, craft and historical displays which is visited by school children, church groups, and other guests, at no charge.

John had a great sense of humor, a quick wit, and a gift for storytelling. As his children moved away, he maintained communication with all five through a weekly newsletter which he continued for decades. He was an avid runner for more than 40 years.

During their many travels, he and Barbara fell in love with Ireland. John found a property on the Southwest coast with a spectacular view. On this spot, they built Rossbrin Cottage where they welcomed children and grandchildren for 25 years of vacations and tours around the Irish countryside, visiting local friends, and making unforgettable memories. He loved his family, his work, his community, the state of Alabama, and spent his life trying to make a difference.

The family would like to acknowledge Louise Williams, Sarah Clay, Sue Wright, Terry Justice, and Darvin Williams, for many years of exceptional care and companionship.

Preceding him in death: his wife, Barbara Bankhead Oliver; grandson, John Thomason Oliver, IV; sisters, infant Ethel Lorraine Oliver, and Mary Ann Oliver Miree. Surviving him: his brother, Howard Crumpton Oliver (Ann); children, Melissa Oliver; Beth Oliver Ballentine (Blake); Rebecca Oliver Haines; John T. Oliver, III (Jean); William Bankhead Oliver (Jo); grandchildren, Henry Hoke Perkins (Sarah); Malcolm Oliver Perkins; Kevin Thomas Lehner (Sarah); Alexander Kent Haines (Andrea); Lillian Brockman Haines Sharp (Shawn); Charles Bankhead Haines (Charlotte); Davis MacLeod Haines (Leeann); William Rives Oliver (Alyssa); Sara Frazer Oliver; Camille Peebles (Ben); Simon Fuller Oliver; Laura Adelaide Oliver, and eight great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts to: The Walker Area Community Foundation, 611 8th Avenue, Jasper, AL 35501, Bankhead House & Heritage Center, 800 7th St. West, Jasper, AL 35501, UAB Spain Rehabilitation Center, 1717 6th Ave. South, Birmingham, AL 35233, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030

Kilgore-Green Funeral Home, Jasper; 205-384-9503