Joseph Travers Oliver Jr.'s Obituary
On January 19, 2020, Joseph Travers Oliver Jr. of Miami, Florida went to be with his Lord at the age of eighty-four.
Joseph, or “Joe” was born to Joseph and Anna (Muldoon) Oliver on May 25, 1935 in Balboa, Panama City, Panama. He was a graduate of Balboa High School and went on to study at the University of Southern Mississippi. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-one years, Angela (Valentine) Oliver, their five children and their spouses, their eighteen grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
Joe’s life was profoundly shaped by his deep devotion and love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His conviction was such that it carried over into every facet of his life. For many, Joe was affectionately known as “Coach”. He coached organized football throughout South Florida, mentoring young men at Miami Christian School, Columbus High School, Southwest High School, K-Land, and more. As a coach, Joe pushed his players to excel on and off the field, challenging them to not simply be better players, but also develop into mature young men. His love for the game, and his desire to see athletes come to know the Lord would eventually lead him into a career spanning thirty years as the Miami-Dade County Area Director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In this role, Joe ministered to and influenced thousands of student athletes, developing huddle groups, hosting the FCA Night of Champion, the Annual FedEx Orange Bowl Prayer Breakfast, and many more outreach events in the local South Florida communities. Joe was also the host of the weekly radio show, “More Than Winning” on 90.9 LifeFM.
Outside of his professional life, Joe spent much of his time serving at church and enjoying quality time with his family. He taught High School Sunday School classes, led small groups, preached sermons, performed in Christmas pageants, sang in the choir, led youth groups and mission trips, and much more. It was evident to all who met Joe that he was incredibly proud of his family. He consistently showed his family love and care and sought every occasion and always found time to spend with all of them. Some of his favorite family activities included taking his grandchildren to Disney World, attending their sporting events, sitting through many ballet performances, having his family over to sing hymns, annual birthday trips to the Keys, and dressing up as Santa Claus for the kids on Christmas night. Joe’s legacy is that of one who pointed thousands to the Lord, whom he loved so dearly.
A celebration of Joe’s life will take place on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 7PM at Christ Fellowship’s West Kendall Campus, 9353 SW 152 AVE Miami, FL 33196.
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