Ron L. Oliver 77, passed away peacefully on his birthday, October 11, at his home in North Little Rock. He was born on October 11, 1946, in Hampton, AR to Reginald Lee Oliver and Vivian Avant Oliver of Calhoun County. Ron was passionate about politics and government from an early age and faithfully devoted his life to social justice, community service, and building partnerships. He was an avid Democrat and proud to be one of the original Arkansas Travelers who campaigned for Bill Clinton (and later Hillary Clinton) in New Hampshire and around the United States. He helped countless young people get their start in local, state, and national politics and took great pride in watching their careers and accomplishments grow. He enjoyed great success as a political strategist, and later, as Chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas from 2001-2005, he oversaw the winning of all open statewide constitutional offices, increased Democratic majorities in the state legislature, and opened statewide field offices. However, he worked across the aisle alongside his many Republican friends at every opportunity to accomplish shared goals. He served as Chief of Staff to former Lt. Governor Bill Halter, Chair of the Arkansas Burial Association Board, and Director of the Arkansas Racing and Gaming Commission. He also served as Chair of many community organizations, including the Urban League of Arkansas, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, and the William F. Laman Public Library for many years. Most recently, he was a Board Member of Rock Region METRO. An entrepreneurial
visionary, he ran several successful businesses during his lifetime in his many areas of interest. When he was not working, he loved talking politics with his friends at their weekly Burge’s lunch group, studying history, watching football, traveling to Cuba or the Florida Panhandle, or enjoying a cigar and a glass of wine.
The only thing Ron loved more than politics was his family, especially his grandson Ellis who he loved to brag on. He was preceded in death by his parents Rex and Vivian, his wife, Floy Dean Oliver, and his brother and sister-inlaw, Kenneth Rex and Billie Oliver. He is survived by his son, Ken Johnson-Oliver, his daughter, Lindsay Oliver (Matthew Smith), and his grandson Ellis Smith, all of Little Rock; his sister Joann Oliver; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Service will be 1:00PM Wednesday, October 18 at Pinnacle View United Methodist Church, 20100 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, followed by burial at Rest Hills Cemetery in North Little Rock. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 17 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Flowers are welcome, but memorials may also be made to the William F. Laman Public Library, or to the Democratic Party of Arkansas at secure.actblue. com/donate/ronoliver.
Guestbook at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.
