Charles Oliver, Jr.

Charles Murray Oliver, Jr., 85, member of a pioneer Texas family, business executive, historian and man of faith.

Charles was born January 25, 1932 in San Saba, Texas to Dr. Charles Murray Oliver and Bertha Maureen Taylor Oliver. He died peacefully at home on January 27, 2017. Charles grew up in San Saba and was particularly proud of his family's heritage in regards to his hometown. Mark, Andrew and Polk Oliver arrived in Texas during the Republic period, eventually settling in San Saba County establishing the Harmony Ridge Community that still serves as the center for the family reunions which Charles coordinated for many years. Upon graduating from San Saba High School, Charles attended Tarleton State University before transferring to Southwest Texas State Teachers College where he started the ROTC program and earned a Bachelor's degree in Animal Husbandry. After graduation, Charles entered the United States Air Force where he held the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Upon an honorable discharge from the Air Force, Charles had a successful career in the insurance industry. Charles was twice named the Outstanding Producer of the Year and served as the Vice President and Agency Director for Southern Provident Life Insurance Company. Charles was also a Top 10 Producer for Great American Life Underwriters. In addition to his many professional awards, Charles graduated from the Institute of Insurance Marketing at Southern Methodist University and was the Dallas Agency Manger for American General Insurance Company before opening his own insurance agency; Oliver & Associates in Dallas, Texas. Charles also ventured into the commercial real estate market where he participated in the early phases of what today is known as the Galleria area in Dallas. At the time of his death, Charles served as Resource Coordinator for the American Fellowship of Cowboy Churches. He was also a Director Emeritus of the Dallas Woods and Waters Club, a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and a Master Gardner Emeritus.

Charles was also a student of Texas history and developed friendships around the state that included political and business leaders, ranchers, writers and poets. His interest in Texas and western lore and legend led him to establish a working cattle ranch and the creation of the Homeplace Horse and Buggy Company to restore and build authentic horse drawn vehicles. For nearly forty years, many of his wagons participated in the annual Fort Worth Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade, which he was able to attend this year as his last public outing. In 1984, Charles agreed to serve as President and Chairman of the Texas 1986 Sesquicentennial Wagon Train. His efforts kept the Wagon Train on the road for the entire 6 month, 3,000-mile trip, making it the largest and most successful state celebration event.

Charles married Pamela J. Bowman in 1994 and lived with her in Waxahachie until his death. He was a lifelong Baptist and served as a deacon of First Baptist Church of Dallas for 43 years. Charles found a calling later in life when he began working with the Cowboy Church movement and started the Chuck Wagon Ministry. His deep knowledge of western life and traditions made him a sought-after advisor, teacher and speaker. Charles was an outdoorsman at heart and enjoyed hunting, visiting Texas historical sites and genealogy research. Charles loved to fly airplanes and received his pilot license while in college.

He is predeceased by his parents, Charles Murray Oliver, DDS and Bertha Maurine Taylor Oliver; brother Andrew Taylor Oliver; and Mary Lou Luster, mother of Susan Bradley and Elizabeth Herritage.

He is survived by his wife, Pam, and her son Damon and wife, Maegan; daughters Susan Bradley and husband Doug and Elizabeth Herritage and husband Brent; grandchildren Taylor Bradley and wife Alice, Hunter Bradley, Hogan Herritage, Addison Herritage, Ethan Bowman and Grace Bowman; great grandchildren Oliver Bradley and Davison Bradley; brother William Henry "Scotty" Oliver and wife, Juanette, and nephews Danny Oliver and wife, Annette, Marlis Oliver and wife Heather and David Oliver and wife Alyssa and great nephews and one great niece.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their help, care and many prayers during Charles' final days.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 3, 2017 at Wayne Boze Funeral Home, Waxahachie.

Services to celebrate his life are scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at the Ellis County Cowboy Church of Waxahachie with Bro. Todd Mitchell officiating.

Additional church services will be conducted at the Harmony Ridge Church, located at the Harmony Ridge Cemetery in San Saba, Texas at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2017. Interment will follow at the Harmony Ridge Cemetery.

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