Samuel Herren Oliver Jr. passed from this life in Opelika, after an extended illness. Sam was born in LaFayette and was the son of Samuel H. Oliver Sr., and Abbie Lou Williams Oliver. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Billie and his sons, John (Tricia) Oliver, Kerry (Rebecca) Oliver and Chris (Kris) Oliver. He was a proud “Pops” to two grandchildren, Ashleigh (Jacob) Demerin and Matthew Oliver, and “Uncle Sam” to his special nieces and nephews. His sister-in-law, Joyce DeLamar, was truly a blessing in his life.
Sam graduated from LaFayette High School and attended Auburn University, where he was a Pi Kappa Alpha. His college was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army as a military policeman during the Korean conflict. He returned to Auburn to study Industrial Design. He co-oped to work with engineering at Boeing in Renton, Washington.
He returned to LaFayette, where he owned and operated Oliver’s Flowers (previously owned by his mother) and the Dari-Dee, and then later worked with Harmon Engineering. Because of his love for photography, in 1974, he opened a photographic supply shop which later became Cameragraphics — a business now owned and operated by his son John.
Sam was passionate about so many things, but especially the arts. He loved photographing space launches and could often be seen with his camera on the sideline of the Auburn football and basketball games.
A graveside service was held July 31, at LaFayette City Cemetery in LaFayette, Alabama. Memorial gifts may be made in Sam’s memory to
Compassus Bethany House
1171 Gatewood Drive
Building 100
Auburn, AL, 36830
or the charity of your choice. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home handledall arrangements.
