James Richard Oliver

James Richard Oliver, 80 years of age of Woodstock, AL entered the arms of angels on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Born December 27, 1945 in Marion County, AL to Edith Hutcheson Oliver.

Richard served his country during the Vietnam War in the US Army as a SP5 Combat Medic where he earned a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Purple Heart, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Combat Medical Badge 2 O/S Bars, Sharpshooter Badge w/Rifle Bar (M-14 & M-16). He went on to serve in the National Guard.

Richard served his community as a firefighter at Birmingham FD, a firefighter lieutenant and paramedic at Pleasant Grove FD and finally an Assistant Chief at Green Pond Volunteer FD.

He also achieved his goal of being a gunsmith and owning his own gun shop which he loved.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, he is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Patricia (Pat) Ann Oliver. Son Richard Duane Oliver (Tina), Daughter Kimberly Anne Oliver; Grandchildren Jacob Richard Oliver (Ann Marie) and Jackson Richard Oliver Johnson. Sister Onese Oliver, brother Lenard Ray Oliver (Robbie). Many cousins, nieces, nephews & great nieces & nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother Edith Hutcheson Oliver; Sisters Mildred Oliver, Annette Oliver and Margie Strack; brother Charles Thomas Oliver.

A visitation will be held Monday, January 5, 1pm-2pm at Patteron-Forest Grove Funeral Home, 1498 5th Ave, Pleasant Grove, Alabama. The family will receive friends starting at 1pm until the time of service. Mr. Jacob Oliver, officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Grove Memorial Gardens in Pleasant Grove, Alabama.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS “IN MEMORY OF JAMES RICHARD OLIVER” PLEASE DONATE TO:

Gary Sinise Foundation https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude-2.html?sc_icid=home-btn-donate-now

OR: A charity of your choice

The staff of Patterson Forest Grove Funeral Home is honored to serve the Oliver family during their time of bereavement. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared at www. Pattersonfuneralhomes.com

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