Johnny Lee Oliver

Johnny Lee Oliver, 71, of Meridian, passed away peacefully on the evening of Thursday, April 10th, surrounded by his loving family.

Johnny was born to Lee Phabian and Rosa Lee (Sessions) Oliver on August 6, 1953, in Texas. He will be remembered as a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and friend. Johnny was a great Christian man, who had accepted the Lord into his heart many years ago. Although he will be deeply missed, his family rests in the assurance that he is now fully healed and resting in the arms of Jesus.

Johnny served as a jailer for the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office for 21 plus years until his retirement. He was a talented gunsmith, refinishing and bringing new life to old rifles in his spare time. For about 10 years, he also enjoyed raising honeybees, building their hives by hand, and collecting their honey to share with his family and friends. He loved the outdoors, gardening, planting fruit trees, and fishing. When he wasn’t outside, he could be found watching his favorite television shows, Gold Rush, Deadliest Catch, and Moonshiners, while enjoying his coffee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Rosa Lee Oliver; his son, Mark Oliver; his second wife, Carolyn Martin Reed; and his daughter, Ginger Gressett Mears.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are his sons, Christian “Chris” Michael Oliver (Jennifer) and John David Oliver; his brothers, David Wayne Oliver (Carol) and Sammy Oliver; his cousins, Michael Oliver, Wayne Oliver, Reggie Oliver, and Jimmy Butler; his special friend and companion, Grace Cooper; along with his two beloved grandchildren, Lucas Michael Oliver and Leah Carolann Oliver; and many extended family and friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, April 25th beginning at 3:00 pm in the chapel of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North, with Bro. Chuck Overby officiating the service. The family will receive friends and loved ones in one hour prior to the service.

The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North is grateful for the opportunity to honor Johnny’s life and memory and to serve his loving family during this time.