There is a little less joy in the world with the passing of Ronald A. “Ron” Oliver on March 11, 2026, at his home on Amelia Island, FL. He was also affectionately known as “Ollie”, “Mr. O”, and “Ron Toots” due to a signature sound he could make with his mouth that others could not mimic, though many have tried. Ron lived to make everyone’s day a little brighter with his jokes and over-the-top antics. He touched the lives of many with his profound sense of humor, warmth, and generous nature.

Ron was born on August 20, 1945, in Williamson, WV, the son of Ermal and Ann Oliver. He had many fond memories of growing up in Williamson. He attended school there until the seventh grade when his family moved to Welch with his father’s job change. He soon made many friends due to his funny, outgoing personality and participation in sports. In his senior year, he was voted “Most School Spirited” and “Wittiest” by his classmates.

Some of the best years of his life were spent at Marshall University where he met his wife, Diane, and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He went on to become a physical education teacher, athletic director, and administrator in Cabell County. He loved his job and the staff and students with whom he worked. He was known to tell parents, “When they’re home, they’re yours; when they’re at school, they’re mine.” He spent many hours at the athletic fields and courts of the high school, often sitting among the parents to support the students. In the panorama of the 2003 graduating class, he can be seen sitting among the students.

Ron enjoyed being around others, be it work, tailgating Marshall games, hosting neighborhood block parties, or celebrating holidays, and other occasions with friends and family. Christmas was a special time for him. He enjoyed decorating for the season and was a collector of many Hallmark ornaments over the years. He was even known to dress like Santa to surprise little ones or entertain adults.

In 2015, he was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune condition which resulted in the loss of both legs. True to his nature, he worked hard to walk with two prostheses. He was the poster child at his physical “terrorist’s” office, even learning to do stairs, until debilitating phantom pain appeared. Even then, he tried to maintain a positive outlook with doctors, nurses, and the general public. When shopping, he would often tell the clerk, “Hurry up, she’s costing me and arm and a leg, and I’ve already lost my legs.”

Ron was a true Son of Marshall. He and Diane had season football tickets for over forty years and continued to support Marshall and the Big Green even after moving to Florida. His man-caves in both WV and FL were filled with Marshall Memorabilia. They have lived the Ashes to Glory story and vowed to never forget.

Ron is survived by his wife, Diane, and sisters- and brothers-in-law Brenda and Terry Keyser, Sherelene and Bill Fortney, Randy and Joyce Scott, and Debi and Eddie Miller; his nephews and niece Stephen (June), Brian, and Michelle in GA; a cousin, Ida Daily, in Virginia; aunt Maravella McClanahan in OH; nephews John Cleghon, Scott Fortney, Chris and Michael Scott, and nieces Catherine Moore, Amy Barrett, and Lauren Kessinger who have shared laughs and were the recipients of many practical jokes at the hands of Uncle Ron. He is also survived by special cousins Greg and Jerry Battistello, Elaine Davis, Dan Goble, Maggie Bunch, and Terressa Hutchinson, as well as many friends and former students. He was predeceased by his parents, brother, Don Oliver, and nephew Wesley Fortney.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Amelia Island at a later date and in the Brad Smith Foundation Hall at Marshall University on April 25. Details will be announced later.

Arrangements are being handled by Oxley-Heard in Fernandina Beach, FL. Rather than flowers, please consider donating to the Marshall University Big Green Scholarship Foundation. We would like to thank our family and friends in WV and FL for the love and support you have shown throughout this journey.