RESOLUTION 77:01 Memorial for Elder Edward Thomas Oliver, D.D.
Possibly Dr. Oliver touched the lives of Bible Presbyterian young people as much as any other person over the last 48 years. He was a professor of Bible at Shelton College from 1964 to 1977, then held a similar position at Clearwater Christian College from 1977 to 2005. His teaching ministry at Suncoast Bible Presbyterian Church in Palm Harbor, Florida further engaged youth at nearby Clearwater Christian College.
Ed Oliver was born in Dunmore, PA. In 1951 he became a United States Marine, stationed at Portsmouth, VA at the Marine Corps Forwarding Depot. His unit was called into action in Korea, but his commander would not release him because of Ed’s superior contribution to the spiritual well-being of his fellow Marines in his capacity as assistant chaplain.
Following his military duty, Ed enrolled in Shelton College, Ringwood, NJ, in January, 1955. He entered Faith Theological Seminary in Elkins Park, PA in the fall of 1958, where he was a student of the renowned biblical theologian Dr. Allan A. MacRae.
In 1968, the Shelton College year book was dedicated to him and at the 1968 commencement he was awarded a D.D. degree, honoris causa.
In 1977 Ed Oliver, together with his close friend, Robert Carver, accepted a position on the Bible faculty of Clearwater Christian College, Clearwater, FL, where he continued through 2005. He also served as adjunct professor to Western Reformed Seminary in Tacoma. WA.
Ed and his first wife, Dr. Esther Oliver, were founding members of the Suncoast Bible Presbyterian Church in Palm Harbor, FL, in 1983, where he served as church elder until his death. He taught the Sunday adult Bible class until only a few months before his home going. Ed represented the congregation at many meetings of presbytery and general synod. He was a regular speaker at the presbytery summer youth camp. He was a founding member of the Florida Presbytery.
Ed Oliver was buried with military honors on March 23, 2013. His wife, Esther, predeceased him in 2010. Dr. Oliver married Naomi Anderson Kellam in 2012. He is survived by his two sons, Scott and Gordon.
Ed had begun work on a book with the title “Redeemed Sinners.” A key verse that had formed his vision for the book was Psalm 65:4, Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts.
Well done, Marine. Semper Fi.