Joseph Paul Olive

Published 5:54 pm Friday, June 6, 2025

Joseph Paul Olive, 83, a resident of Georgiana, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by loved ones on Thursday, June 5.

Joe was born to Ford and Era Olive on Sept. 10, 1941. He was welcomed home by his brother Julian and sister Berniece where they were raised in the Industry Community.

At 19 he moved to Wetumpka and became meat market manager at Big Bear. Here he met the love of his life, Peggy Wallace. The two were soon married on the afternoon of July 22, 1961 after a busy morning of peddling produce. Their family soon grew with the birth of their daughter Deborah Joyce and soon followed their son Joseph Paul. A few years later Joe returned to Butler County with his family in tow.

Throughout his life he held many jobs including a service station owner, butcher, and over the road “big” truck driver. The job he loved the most was that of a produce farmer. He was known for his year around harvests of produce which could be found at local grocery stores, farmers markets and “the” backyard.

He was preceded in death by his father, William Ford Olive; his mother, Era Belle Gafford Olive; his sister, Berniece Olive Gorum; his daughter, Deborah Olive Lewis; daughter-in-law, Sherry Burgans Olive and grand-daughter, Rachel Norwood.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years Peggy Wallace Olive; brother, Julian Ford (Virginia) Olive; son, Joseph Paul Olive, Jr.; son-in-law, R.D. Lewis, Sr.; grandchildren, Missy (B.J.) Alford, Lynn Griffin, Richie Lewis, Jr., Neil (Renea) Olive, Cheri (Joey) Foster, 12 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Graveside Services was held on Friday, June 6, beginning at 2 p.m. at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, with Bro. Ricky Bagents officiating, with Johnson Funeral Home directing.

Online condolences may be made at www.johnsonfhal.com.