Danny Ray Oliver

Danny Ray Oliver, 65, of Deatsville, Alabama, passed away October 3, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Betty Jean Oliver, of Attalla, Alabama; brothers, Ricky Oliver and Jeffery Oliver, both of Attalla, Alabama. He is survived by his wife, Marlys E. Oliver; sons, Dale D. Oliver (Crystal), of Atlanta, Georgia, Derek W. Oliver (Ricki), of Deatsville, Alabama; grandchildren, Gavin P. Oliver (Mass), Annie E. (Maxwell) Foster, of Montgomery, Alabama, Hayden J. and Isabel G. Oliver, both of Deatsville, Alabama.

Danny battled for 2 years the cancer war that restricted his love of the outdoors. He was the type of guy to “get on his tractor and plow something up” or go deer or bird or lately beaver hunting. He was also a firm in his constitutional rights. He was worried not only about his own health, but the health of our country. He loved history. He could quote obscure military history. He wanted his grandchildren to know what he believed in and he wanted them to know how he grew up. He loved his family, but his grandchildren were his heart and he would do anything for them.

Danny’s childhood wasn’t like most kids. His memories included a 2-room house, the second of 4 boys, 3 of whom went on to serve in the Armed Forces. He was a firm believer in hard work and sacrifice. He never missed a single day of school from the time he entered first grade until he graduated from Etowah High School. His record was high lighted and recognized in the New York Times for his dedication.

Eventually that small 2 room house became 4 room house where stabbing siblings with forks at the kitchen table trying to get the last pork chop became a common place, and running thru the woods a daily occurrence, and driving pieces of vehicles when he was only 6 or 7 and hauling lumber stumps, tin and mechanical parts and other things he probably shouldn’t have, as normal. His childhood was watched over by a guardian angel that wore a Kevlar Vest, hiking boots and safety glasses. His wife and children are thankful for Danny and his life.

His childhood led to a 20-year career in the Air Force. Some of major events were being stationed in Washington state when Mt. St. Helens erupted. How he always told his kids the sky can go dark in the middle of the day, about having bombs explode where your car is parked in Germany, killing rats with baseball bats in Korea and being in combat Logistics Support Squadron and bringing home downed aircraft from all parts of the world.

Following his Air Force career, he was able to hire on as a Civil Servant. He really appreciated the job, but hated he was now stuck inside the concrete block house. He got the opportunity to work with wonderful people and made great friends. He contributed his hard work and dedication to projects he was a part of.

Danny will be remembered for lots of things – I, as his wife, will keep in my heart his really great laugh, hugs and holding my hand.

A visitation for Danny will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Ridout's-Brown-Service Prattville Chapel, 347 E Main St, Prattville, Alabama 36067, followed by a celebration of life at 2:00 PM.