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Morris Ray Oliver passed away on December 29, 2023 at the age of 84.
Born one of six children to Merely and I.L. Oliver on October 7, 1939, Morris Ray grew up in Geraldine
and was a graduate of Albertville High School. In April of 1961 he married Margie Morrow and moved to
the Pleasant Grove community. Together they had two children, Mike and Marsha.
Morris Ray worked for Marshall Tire and Appliance for many years before opening Oliver Tire with his
son, Mike, in 1979. Since then, it has been a true family business with many family members and
extended family members working there for at least a time and most still today.
When he was not at the tire store Morris Ray spent time working on his farm or doing pretty much
anything with cars. He loved to buy cars, work on cars, go to car shows or spend time at the racetrack. In
the early 1980s it was a sure bet to find the Oliver family at Huntsville Speedway every weekend where
Mike started as a racecar driver while Morris Ray ran the pit crew and Margie and Marsha cheered from
the infield. Once Mike retired from racing in 1994, Morris Ray continued to frequent the racetrack with
his nephews and great-nephew who still carry on the Oliver Racing name.
Morris Ray lived a full life leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to family and friends. He
could always be counted on to offer advice, give encouragement and tell an incredible racing story.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Margie Oliver; children Mike Oliver (Lisa) and Marsha Oliver
Whisenhunt (Vann); grandchildren Michael Oliver (Andrea) ,Sam Duffey (Maggie Bishop) and Jadie and Finley Whisenhunt ;
great-grandchildren Alice and Eleanor Oliver; and sister Flo Harper.
He was preceded in death by his parents Merely Gore Oliver and I.L. Oliver; brothers Bobby, Junior and
Gerald Oliver and sister Pauline Oliver Wright.
A funeral service officiated by Brother James Dudley will be held at Guntersville Memorial Chapel on
Sunday, December 31 at 1:30 pm with a visitation from 12:00 until service time. Burial will follow at
Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers are Scott Allen, Joe Beam, Sam Duffey, Jim Crawford, Brad Oliver,
Chase Oliver, Chris Oliver, Michael Oliver and Lynn Kubik.
Flowers will be enjoyed and donations are also appreciated to The Marshall Cancer Care Center, 11491
US Highway 431, Albertville, AL 35950.
Morris Ray Oliver passed away on December 29, 2023 at the age of 84.Born one of six children to Merely and I.L. Oliver on October 7, 1939, Morris Ray grew up in Geraldine
and was a graduate of Albertville High School. In April of 1961 he married Margie Morrow and moved to
the Pleasant Grove community. Together they had two children, Mike and Marsha.
Morris Ray worked for Marshall Tire and Appliance for many years before opening Oliver Tire with his
son, Mike, in 1979. Since then, it has been a true family business with many family members and
extended family members working there for at least a time and most still today.
When he was not at the tire store Morris Ray spent time working on his farm or doing pretty much
anything with cars. He loved to buy cars, work on cars, go to car shows or spend time at the racetrack. In
the early 1980s it was a sure bet to find the Oliver family at Huntsville Speedway every weekend where
Mike started as a racecar driver while Morris Ray ran the pit crew and Margie and Marsha cheered from
the infield. Once Mike retired from racing in 1994, Morris Ray continued to frequent the racetrack with
his nephews and great-nephew who still carry on the Oliver Racing name.
Morris Ray lived a full life leaving behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to family and friends. He
could always be counted on to offer advice, give encouragement and tell an incredible racing story.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Margie Oliver; children Mike Oliver (Lisa) and Marsha Oliver
Whisenhunt (Vann); grandchildren Michael Oliver (Andrea) ,Sam Duffey (Maggie Bishop) and Jadie and Finley Whisenhunt ;
great-grandchildren Alice and Eleanor Oliver; and sister Flo Harper.
He was preceded in death by his parents Merely Gore Oliver and I.L. Oliver; brothers Bobby, Junior and
Gerald Oliver and sister Pauline Oliver Wright.
A funeral service officiated by Brother James Dudley will be held at Guntersville Memorial Chapel on
Sunday, December 31 at 1:30 pm with a visitation from 12:00 until service time. Burial will follow at
Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers are Scott Allen, Joe Beam, Sam Duffey, Jim Crawford, Brad Oliver,
Chase Oliver, Chris Oliver, Michael Oliver and Lynn Kubik.
Flowers will be enjoyed and donations are also appreciated to The Marshall Cancer Care Center, 11491
US Highway 431, Albertville, AL 35950.
