Billy Gene (Bill) Oliver slipped into the Lord’s arms on Oct. 23, 2014 in Modesto, CA. He was born in Fort Smith, AR to Earl and Violet Oliver. The family moved to CA in 1940 and Bill attended local schools, graduating from OHS in 1956. He loved sports and excelled in baseball, basketball and football, playing on championship teams for the Mustangs under Coach Jack Walker, who became a lifelong friend. At OHS, Bill met Diane Benoit who became his beloved wife for 56 years. Bill enlisted in the Navy and served on a destroyer tender until his discharge in 1960 after which he and Diane made their way back to CA from the East Coast. They established a home in Modesto and Bill began his career in finance and escrow work in Stanislaus Co. Bill enjoyed square dancing, camping, RV’ing and traveling with friends in the states and abroad. He followed pro basketball and loved working his crossword puzzles. He was a good friend to many and always eager to lend a hand. He will be missed! Bill is survived by his loving wife, Diane Oliver; son, Ken Oliver (Kelly) of Oakdale; daughter, Pam Ingalls of Modesto; grandchildren, Melissa, Dylan, Kendell & Joshua; brother, Jerry Oliver of Simi Valley, CA ; sister, Pat Harden of Ark. Services as follows:  Visitation on Thurs., Oct. 30, 2014, 3-7 pm at Oakdale Memorial Chapel. Graveside on Fri., Oct. 31, 2014 at 10 am at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery, 701 East J. St., followed by a Memorial at 11:30 am at the North Modesto Church of God, 1918 Sherwood Ave., Modesto. In Bill’s memory, donations would be welcomed to The Garden Fund, North Modesto Church of God, 1918 Sherwood Ave., Modesto, CA 95350.