Horace Raymond “Hoss” Oliver was the 13th child of fourteen children born to Leonard Wesley Oliver and Ollie Ophelia Coats. Hoss was born on December 24, 1942, in Frankston, TX. He entered Eternal Rest on October 31, 2023, in Wolfe City, TX, at the age of 80 years.
Hoss was a big man standing 6 ft. 4 in. tall. He attended high school in Malakoff, TX, where he excelled in football, basketball and track. After high school, he worked for several meat packing plants in Dallas, TX, prior to working for Kroger Company as market manager for 32 years before he retired in 2004.
Hoss loved family activities, helping with cows on the ranch, camping on the Buffalo River in Arkansas where he cooked full meals with fried potatoes making sure no sandwiches were allowed. He also loved attending his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s activities.
Horace married the love of his life, Linda Joyce Busby of Mabank, TX, on December 7, 1963, in Kerens, TX.
Hoss was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Ollie Ophelia Oliver, and siblings: Willa Mae, Albert (Oliver), Catherine, Jewel, Ruby, J.R., Wayne (Junior), Pat, Arnold, Billy, June, baby Elizabeth, and Baby Oliver.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Busby Oliver of Wolfe City, TX, two sons, Larry Oliver and wife Cindy of Wolfe City, TX and Garry Oliver and wife Rima of Southlake, TX. Grandchildren, Josh and Natalie Smith, Jarred and Molly Oliver, Justin and Kaci Oliver, Ethan Oliver, Abigail Oliver, eight great-grandchildren and a number of nieces, nephews and other family members.
Hoss will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Services will be held Thursday, November 2, 2023, with visitation at 1pm and funeral service to follow at 2pm conducted by Kevin Ice at the Mount Carmel Cemetery Chapel. Burial will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery in Wolfe City. Pallbearers are Josh Smith, Justin Oliver, Ethan Oliver, Weston Smith, Wyatt Smith, Walker Smith and William Smith.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Praying for you Linda and your Family. Big hugs…RIP Horace
Prayers for God to wrap his arms of Love, Strength and Comfort around your family during this time of sorrow. Mike and I send our heartfelt thoughts and prayers for each of you.
We’re missing you so much. All our love.
Uncle Hoss was a kind gentleman; he will be missed.
It is in moments like these that words fall short, but I have always admired Uncle Hoss’s character and heart. I am honored to have known him and will remember him with love. Please accept our condolences for your loss.
Linda, Larry, and Garry,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Hoss was such a kind man. I will always fondly remember how he called me “young lady”; it always made me smile. I enjoyed chatting with him and listening to his stories in that booming voice of his. I’m so sorry for the loss you are going through, and I want to offer my sincere condolences. I hope that you can find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Much love to you all.
Linda, Larry, Garry, and family, I hope you can find comfort in the memories of Hoss and his unwavering love for you all. He was simply the best.
My love always.
Uncle Hoss was always so kind. We will always remember his booming voice and soft heart. We will sure miss him.