Robert Michael Oliver

Robert Michael Oliver, age 61, took his journey to eternal heavenly peace, with his mother by his side, on December 16, 2023, following a long battle with liver disease. He was born November 27, 1962, in Natchez, Mississippi, to Michael S. and Barbara L. Oliver. A celebration of Robert's life was held January 5, 2024, at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary, North Carolina. A Celebration of Life service will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, February 18, 2024 from the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home by Pastor Ronald Thurman and Reverend Jerry McManus. The family will greet friends from 2:00 to 3:00 PM Sunday prior to the service at the funeral home. A private committal service will be held in the Ruby Cemetery.

Robert is survived by his "daughter" Yumi (his beloved miniature dachshund); his parents; sister, Susan Oliver of Lafayette, Louisiana; niece, Heather Trahan (Jason) Sick of Huntersville, NC; nephew, Jacob Trahan (Jennifer) of Denver, NC; great-nieces and great-nephews Isla Sick, Bryce Anthony, Hunter Anthony, Tenley Anthony, and Reese Anthony. He is also survived by his two special friends who kept a close watch over him: Victor (Vic) Perez of 33 years and Scot Sino of 20 years. He had many cousins, friends and neighbors who were close to him. Over the years he developed a special bond with his caregivers in the medical field. He also stayed “in touch” with his high school and college buddies.

Robert is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Claud L. Oliver, Sr. and his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H. Mendel Lisenby.

Robert lived most of his young life in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he graduated in 1981 from Ovey Comeaux High School. As a teenager, he became interested in computer software and worked for a computer company developing software that included an introduction to the company's website. Following another interest, he graduated in 1987 from Louisiana State University as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After serving honorably in the United States Army as a veterinarian, Robert returned to his passion for computer software. In 1995 he graduated from the University of North Carolina as a Valedictorian with double majors in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. Since this graduation Robert worked for many years as an engineer in the software industry. He enjoyed his work resolving software issues so much that one could say he was "married" to his job. He also had a great respect for his employers and co-workers and no desire to retire. The industry has lost one of its best. His profound knowledge and expertise will be missed.

In addition to his professional work, Robert loved working on his projects. During his life time these projects included hydroponics; making homemade antennas; growing African violets (1st place NC State Fair); repairing and making clocks; basket weaving; stained glass; woodworking and furniture making (dining , coffee and lamp tables); soap making; canning sauerkraut and peaches; making clay figures; building model airplanes; crocheting; growing herbs, tomatoes, strawberries, watermelons and other plants; repairing his grandfather's radio; repainting a Kitchen Aid mixer because he didn't like the color. This list is not all inclusive of the many projects Robert enjoyed. He also loved watching Sci-Fi and anime. 

The project Robert loved best was cooking and baking. He started it as a necessity for his health and it soon became his Joy. Cooking and baking opened another door for Robert; the Joy of Giving and Sharing. He embraced it wholeheartedly much to the delight of his friends, neighbors and medical workers. His last cooking session, a week before he passed, was for the benefit of a friend, he had just met in the hospital, who had lost a foot to diabetes. (Robert also had diabetes.)

Robert had over a ten-year battle with his disease and not once did he ever complain. With prayers, his sense of humor and the love from his family and friends. He lived his life to the fullest. During this time, he was on several church prayer lists and one of the blessings God gave him was five more years of life than the doctors gave him in 2013. Five wonderful years for which the family is so thankful; and, also appreciative and thankful for the many prayers that helped make this possible. THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR PRAYERS!

(Yumi will be living with her two sisters at the home of Scott Sino.)

Any donations in Robert’s memory can be made to the charity of one’s choice.