Oliver James Wilson of Hot Springs, SD, passed away early Friday morning, August 8, 2014, at Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, SD. He was 76 years old.

Oliver was born December 2, 1937, to Ernest and Verla Mae (Phillips) Wilson. He was born and raised in Oneida, in the Beautiful Smokey Mountains. At age 17, Oliver proudly joined the United States Air Force and served honorably as a fire rescuer in Japan, at Davis Mothan AFB and at Ellsworth AFB, where he met his wife Carol. They married in 1960 in Hot Springs where he worked for the water company. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from January 27, 1956, until his honorable discharge on January 29, 1960.

Oliver and Carol later moved with their children to Anchorage, AK, where he worked on the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline and other major projects in the state. In 1976, after heeding the call of the Lord he became an ordained pastor and chose to be a missionary and the family was led to Hannibal, MO, for the next 4 years to spread God's word. In 1980, he returned his family to Anchorage where he continued to work until his retirement, at which time he and Carol returned to their beloved Hot Springs and the family and friends therein.

It's important to note Oliver's undying faith in Jesus Christ, Whom he served tirelessly. He was an Elder at Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church and a founding member of the gospel group SOUL. Oliver witnessed and ministered to countless members of the community who were ill, downtrodden, or in need of comfort.

Oliver had an immense love for gospel music. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved hunting, fishing, camping, four wheeling, and touring the hills on his motorcycle with Carol by his side. He was a devout husband, father, and grandfather as well as a friend to so many, always with an encouraging word. Oliver was treasured by his family, church brothers and sisters, friends and so many people whose lives he touched over the years of faithful service.

Oliver is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Carol, of Hot Springs; daughters, Kristi Lee (Les) Peterson; Stacie Annette Roberson; sons, Oliver Scott (Tina) Wilson, Sr.;Paul Jeremy (MaRanda) Wilson; grandchildren, Zachary Ryan Pimentel; Caleb James Roberson; Oliver Wilson, Jr.; Morgan Dawn Wilson; Krysten Marie Wilson; Autumn Rose Wilson; McKayla Lee Wilson; Verlie Mae Corrin Wilson; Julie Ann Wilson; Faith Elizabeth Wilson; sisters, Peggy Blevins of Chattanooga, TN; and Beverly Black of Gatlinburg, TN;

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Verla Mae (Phillips) Wilson; brothers, Ernest, Keith and Stanley Wilson.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at the Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church in Hot Springs with Pastor Mark Crossman officiating. Committal services will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hot Springs.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Oliver's name to benefit the Southern Hills Evangelical Free Church Benevolence Fund.