Coach William Earl "Brother" Oliver's Obituary
Memorial Service for Coach William Earl “Brother” Oliver, 85, of Alexander City, will be Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 am at Livingston First Baptist Church, 103 LaFayette St., Livingston, AL 35470. Rev. Vaughn Stafford, Coach Oliver’s nephew, will officiate. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am at the church.
Coach Oliver passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Russell Medical Center. He was born on November 1, 1939, in Epes, Alabama to William Junius Oliver and Mary Ella Harrison Oliver. Brother's early years laid the foundation for a life full of passion and dedication. His parents instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and the importance of family - principles that he carried throughout his life.
Known affectionately as "Brother" by all who knew him, his life was marked by his analytical mind, creative spirit, and warm friendliness that drew people together in both joy and adversity.
Brother's legacy is carried on through his loving family. Brother was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sue Kelly Oliver. He is survived by his children, Bill (Kim) Oliver, Jr. of Birmingham, AL, Kelly (Glenn) Hill of Mt. Pleasant, SC, and Brad (Felicia) Oliver of Alexander City, AL, sisters, Bunda Griswold, Melanie McClelland, and June (Greg) Risk, and his grandchildren, Hannah Oliver, Elizabeth Oliver, Oliver Hill, Samuel Hill, William Hill, Lexy Oliver, and Brooke Oliver, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Brother's professional life was marked by his role as a coach, where he not only shaped winning teams but also molded the character of countless young individuals. His analytical approach to the game, paired with his creative strategies, made him a respected figure on and off the field. His friendly demeanor, however, is what truly set him apart, making him not only a coach but a confidant and mentor.
Bill Oliver was the architect of Alabama’s legendary 1992 defense as a coach and a member of the Crimson Tide’s 1961 national-championship team as a player. Oliver - known as “Brother” - spent a total of 33 years in coaching. He coached at Marietta High school and Guntersville High School before entering the college arena.. He also had two stops each as an assistant at the University of Alabama and Auburn University, plus stints at Clemson University and with the USFL’s Memphis Showboats. He was head coach at Chattanooga from 1980-1983 and was Auburn’s interim head coach for part of 1998. Brother was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2013.
Brother always said, “He was blessed to have a great supporting cast, and that it took a group of talented players to win.” The family would like to acknowledge all of the former coaches, players and staff members that contributed to Brother’s long and successful coaching career. Former players were always amazed at his honesty and knowledge of how a defense was to be played.
Throughout his life, Brother Oliver touched the lives of many with his genuine care and concern for others. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life, to listen deeply, and to offer sage advice, earned him the love and respect of those around him. His was a life richly lived, full of purpose and service to others.
As we say goodbye to Coach William Earl "Brother" Oliver, we celebrate the indelible mark he has left on this world and on many student athletes. His was a life that exemplified the best of us - thoughtful, creative, and always reaching out in friendship. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, and his memory will continue to inspire us all.
Rest in peace, Coach William Earl "Brother" Oliver. Your spirit lives on in the hearts of your family, your friends, and all the lives you touched.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Alzheimer's of Central Alabama, P. O. Box 2273, Birmingham, AL 35201.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Coach William Earl "Brother" Oliver.
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