Richard Martin Oliver

Richard Martin Oliver, aged 73, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on October 8th, 2026, in Savannah, GA.

Richard was born on April 1, 1953 in Statesboro, GA, to Sue Martin Oliver and Hugh Dalton Oliver. He grew up in Glennville, GA, alongside his sibling, Susan Oliver Dowdy. He graduated from Glennville High School and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in history at Georgia Southern College. He later became a business owner, overseeing the operation of several businesses throughout the southern U.S.

Richard was an entrepreneur, inventor, and lifelong problem-solver who enjoyed turning ideas into reality. With his business partner, Jan Baker, at Torque Man Enterprises, he held a patent on an innovative top fuel drag tire and provided high-performance engine kits to circle track racers, truck pull enthusiasts, and the occasional street racer. Later in his professional career, he owned and operated Modern Electronics and Equipment Inc., providing specialized shelling equipment to the US pecan processing industry.

In 1985, Richard married the love of his life, Martha Oliver, in Glennville, GA. Together, they shared 41 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children. Richard was a devoted husband and father who loved to make his family laugh. Known for his humor, teasing, and jokes, he was also a steadfast source of support and took great pride in his family. Above all else, Richard was a Godly man whose Christian faith guided his life and shaped the values he passed on to those he loved.

A lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Glennville, Richard made sure his family understood the tenets of Christianity. His faith was evident not only in his beliefs but also in the care and compassion he showed others. He was always ready to offer comfort and, true to his thoughtful nature, always had a handkerchief ready when it was needed.

Outside of work and family, Richard was an avid boater, mechanic, inventor, machinist, and general tinkerer of things. He was happiest when he was working with his hands, figuring out how things worked, or bringing something new to life. One of his greatest joys was refurbishing his beloved boat, “Daddy’s Dream,” and taking family and friends out for “boat rides.” Those times on the water created treasured memories and reflected his love of coastal living and the simple pleasure of being together.

Richard’s legacy lives on through the family he loved, the faith he shared, the businesses he built, and the many lives he touched. He will be remembered for his quick wit, inventive spirit, generous heart, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to those closest to him.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Martha Oliver; his children, Jennifer Oliver Grafton (Michael), Scott Staten Oliver (Wyndie), and Wendy Cornelison Burnett (Brian); his grandchildren, Olivia Grace Dusterdieck, Abigail Mary-Leigh Oliver, Cecilia Wynn Oliver, Blair Catherine Burnett, and Milton Brooks Burnett; his sibling, Susan Oliver Dowdy; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his Brother-in-Law Jerry Dowdy.

Visitation will begin at 11:00 am, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Brannen Family Funeral Services. Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Glennville City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Richard’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at Alzheimer's Association .

Care and Services are entrusted to Brannen Family Funeral Services. "Our Family Serving Your Family."