Norman Oliver

Norman Sherman Oliver passed away peacefully on July 12, 2023, at the age of 88. He was born August 18, 1934, in Pittstown, New York, to parents Augustus and Charlotte Oliver. 

He joined the Navy in 1952 at the age of 17 which brought him to Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1955, he was honorably discharged from the Navy and settled in Rockport, Texas where he met his former wife, Carolyn Smith, and started his family.

After his military service, Norman worked for Foremost Dairy and then spent 30 years with Kerr-McGee where he retired in 1994. An avid historian and proud American, Norman spent his final years watching old westerns and listening to his Marty Robbins records with Fritz by his side. 

Norman is preceded in death by his son, Joseph Oliver; daughter, Karolyn James; grandson, Robert Ley; former wife, Carolyn Smith; and sister, Lucille Bradley.

He is survived by his daughter, Shelley Ley; four grandchildren — Kelsey McNally, Michael James, Kaylee James, and Patricia Ley; 10 great-grandchildren— Nolen Franks, Sawyer Franks, Jett McNally, Rossi McNally, Mary Smith, Grant Smith, Lila Smith, Dawson James, Logan James, and Karolyn James; and his beloved dog, Fritz. 

A rosary and funeral service will be held at Turcotte Piper Mortuary in Kingsville, Texas on July 18, 2023, at 9:30am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to K9s for Warriors which provides service dogs to military veterans, a cause close to Norman’s heart.