Tributes

John Dyer Oliver was born June 30, 1978, baptized at Trinity Baptist Church, and went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the age of 46. Born in San Antonio, Texas, John attended Robert E. Lee High School, where he formed many close friendships that lasted throughout his life. He went on to attend Baylor University and later graduated from The University of Texas at San Antonio. John was known for his warm personality, sense of humor, and big, embracing hugs. He had a gift for making people feel seen, valued, and loved, and maintained a wide circle of friendships throughout his life. To John, his close friends were extensions of his family. In turn, his boys grew up surrounded by “uncles” who were truly family in every meaningful way. It was a reflection of the love John gave so freely and the deep affection others had for him. He loved to have a good time, was never short on providing a good laugh, and was always there when you needed him. An avid outdoorsman, John spent his childhood hunting and fishing on his family’s ranch in D’Hanis and along the Texas coast. He treasured time with his twin brother Tom and their families at Lake LBJ, casting for trout in Colorado, and sitting in a blind on cold early mornings. Nothing brought him more joy than sharing these experiences with his sons, Cam and Andrew, and watching them grow into young men who shared his love for the outdoors. He was a devoted father and took great pride in watching his boys thrive at San Antonio Academy, cheering them on in their athletic pursuits, and encouraging them in all aspects of life. John was also a deeply devoted husband to the love of his life, Margaret Philip Oliver. He loved and adored her completely. Together they shared 16 wonderful years of marriage—raising their boys, traveling with family, and building a strong community of friends and loved ones. John had the privilege of working alongside his close friends at R.C. Page Construction for the past 8 years. He genuinely loved what he did and cared deeply for the people he worked with. He was also active in civic and social life and proudly served as a member of the San Antonio German Club, The Order of the Alamo, San Antonio Country Club, and The Texas Cavaliers. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret Philip Oliver, and their sons, John Cameron and Andrew Boyd Oliver. He is also survived by his father, Dr. Boyce B. Oliver and wife Carol; his mother, Betsy Simms Williams and husband John; his twin brother, Thomas Simms Oliver and wife Leslie; his sister, Caroline Brooke Oliver; his brother, William Boyce Oliver; his brother, F. Michael Wood, Jr. and wife Jodi; his sister, Elizabeth Wood Bright and husband Wes; and their mother, Barbara Wood; his father and mother-in-law, Mary and Al Philip; and his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Philip Smith and husband Marc. John adored his many nieces and nephews, including Porter and Liza Oliver, Simms and Riggins Oliver, Grace and Bear Smith, Payton and F. Michael Wood, III, and Luke and Stratton Bright. He is also survived by many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins whom he adored and who held a special place in his heart. Friends and Family are invited to a service celebrating John’s life Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 510 Belknap Place, San Antonio, Texas 78212. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Cavaliers Charitable Foundation, the Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas, or a charity of your choice. Livestreaming Service Link: cecsa.org/live-stream

Tributes

John D. Oliver

June 30, 1978 - May 31, 2025